Traumatic C4-C5 unilateral facet dislocation with posterior disc herniation above a prior anterior fusion

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2012 Jun;41(6):E85-8.

Abstract

We report the case of a unilateral cervical facet dislocation above the level of a prior non-instrumented cervical discectomy and fusion, resulting in incomplete neurologic injury. Pre-reduction imaging demonstrated a large posterior disk extrusion. This finding altered our management approach from closed reduction to urgent anterior cervical discectomy, open anterior reduction, and fusion. The patient had excellent neurologic recovery and outcome at 12 months postoperative follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Diskectomy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / surgery*
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zygapophyseal Joint / injuries*
  • Zygapophyseal Joint / surgery