Atlanto-Occipital Hypermobility
in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research 1991; 7 (2): 33-38

Schneier, M.; Burns, R

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A triple blind roentgenological study of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and non-SIDS infants was designed to determine the possible presence of hypermobility/instability at the atlanto-occipital level and inversion of atlas into the foramen magnum as previously described by Gilles et al(1), and the correlation with SIDS. Seventy-four infant cadavers were x-rayed with predetermined factors in cervical neurtral lateral, cervical lateral hyperflexion and cervical lateral hyperextension views. Fifty of these sets of films (40 SIDS and 10 non-SIDS) were readable with sufficient confidence to make measurements of the lines of C-1 and the skull utilizing an electronic protractor system for computerized recording. Evaluation of the data indicated that all deceased infants exhibiting atlas inversion into foramen magnum were victims of SIDS, but not all SIDS infants exhibited atlas inversion. While no absolute angular measurements could be accomplished by this methodology and design, relative measurements suggested that a correlation existed between instability in the atlanto-occipital articulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This corroborates the work of Gilles et al(1) regarding atlanto-occipital instability, atlas inversion, and unexplained sudden infant death.

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