C1-C2 dislocations may occur in traumatic accidents. But also with minor trauma in adolescence, congenital anomalies or in rheumatoid patients.
Axial X-ray will show narrowing of the spinal canal due to the anterior dislocation.
The treatment is in general surgical with C1-C2 fusion.
In rheumatoid patients C1-C2 dislocation can in some cases only be diagnosed by dynamic extension and flexion X-rays.