Screening of children with Down syndrome for atlantoaxial (C1-2) instability: another contentious health question.

Screening for atlantoaxial (C1-2) instability in children with Down syndrome before their participation in sport is called into serious question. Despite the lack of clear supporting data to justify screening, it has been widely recommended and enforced by some sporting organisations for several decades. Experience in New South Wales during the past 25 years strongly suggests that routine screening should be discontinued, and the existing literature supports this move.