Chiropractic & Osteopathy Down Syndrome Abstracts
British Osteopathic Journal 21: 11-20 (1998)
Handoll, Nicholas J.R.
This paper raises the hypothesis that postnatal hypoxia causes much of the handicap of Down's syndrome and that osteopathic treatment may be used effectively to reduce it. Down's syndrome is a congenital foetal growth disorder due to trisomy of chromosome 21, which affects all metabolic processes but manifests fundamentally as an immaturity of the nervous system. Its widespread effects are due to impaired buffering against a range of disorders of development which are seen in isolation in individuals in the normal population. The infant is immature at birth, but at that time the development of much of the structure of the infant's tissue is essentially close to normal limits for the age. Evidence is presented to support the proposal that much of the handicap of Down's syndrome is not due directly to the chromosomal defect, but to impaired postnatal development as a result of hypoxaemia from upper airway obstruction. It is proposed that appropriate treatment from birth given by suitably trained osteopaths can offer a safe, non-invasive and effective means of maintaining a patent airway. It is postulated that this will reduce some of the severe and widespread disabilities which handicap the individual with trisomy 21.
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 3 (13): 157-60 (1990 Mar-Apr)
A chiropractic perspective on atlantoaxial instability in Down's syndrome
Marie E. La Francis-Wright
The purpose of this paper is to review the current information on atlantoaxial instability in Down's syndrome. There are potentially fatal consequences to performing adjustive manipulation to the cervical spine of the Down's patient. Atlantoaxial subluxation can cause death. Up to 50% of those suffering from atlantoaxial instability have it due to anomalous axis formation and/or agenesis or laxity of the transverse ligament. Trauma or progressive anterior displacement of atlas may cause serious neurological complications. The standard treatment for atlantoaxial instability is surgical fusion of the upper cervical spine. Conservative chiropractic care is suggested as a possible alternative in some cases. Standards for adjusting patients suffering from Down's syndrome have not been established. However, guidelines reviewed in this paper may indicate when adjusting may be hazardous. Potential protocol for the evaluation and diagnosis of atlantoaxial instability are suggested.
Chiropractic Sports Medicine 3 (3): 81-84 (1989)
Atlantoaxial Instability in Down's Syndrome: The Role of Chiropractic in Special Olympic Participation
Mirtz, Timothy A., Reno, Mark E., Ratliff, C. Ray
Research Department, Cleveland Chiropractic College, 6401 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64131
There is a correlation between atlantoaxial instability and Down syndrome. Persons participating in Special Olympics are at high risk of serious injury by complying with certain events. It is imperative that chiropractic physicians be aware of the specific clinical entities encountered (mainly neurological) in treating these individuals. Assessment of radiographs for atlantoaxial instability is discussed.
The Journal of the CCA 25 (2): 81-84 (1981 Jun)
Upper Cervical Instability in Down's Syndrome
Dyck, V. Gary
Department of Biomechanics, Canadian Chiropractic College, 1900 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Canada, M4G 3E6
Although spinal manipulation is a safe procedure, the chiropractor should always be alert for contraindications to his treatments. A case of Down's syndrome is presented in which gross instability of the upper cervical spine exists. Its diagnosis by x-ray examination, a discussion of the role of the vertebral artery, and comments of the importance of a proper examination in cases as these, concludes the paper.