Unusual presentation of an unusual disease: A very delayed diagnosis of Grisel's syndrome.

Grisel's syndrome (GS) is a rare syndrome which refers only to non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation. This syndrome predominantly occurs in young children following an upper respiratory infection or otolaryngologic procedures. An eight-year-old girl with a delayed diagnosis of GS was admitted to our outpatient clinic with complaints of painful torticollis and neck stiffness. Three-dimensional computed tomography revealed rotatory atlantoaxial subluxation. After consulting with the neurosurgery department, the patient underwent surgery. The significance of this patient was that she was unable to be diagnosed early and atlantoaxial subluxation remained hidden for five years without any complications. In conclusion, this rare case highlights the importance of delayed diagnosis of GS and clinicians should be aware of this syndrome.