Anterior Traumatic Lumbosacral Dislocation: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Feb 27;15(2):e35518. doi: 10.7759/cureus.35518. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Traumatic dislocation of the lumbosacral joint is a rare and severe lesion usually caused by high-energy trauma. The literature on traumatic spondylolisthesis is limited, and most published papers are sporadic case reports. By presenting the case of an anterior traumatic L5-S1 spondylolisthesis without neurological deficits caused by a 6-meter fall, we discuss the anatomopathological mechanism of this injury, clinical and radiological evaluation, and current management options. The patient was treated surgically with a combined posterior instrumented reduction and transforaminal interbody fusion. At the final follow-up after seven years, the radiological evaluation showed an unchanged spondylolisthesis reduction with reliable fusion healing. In addition, the patient had good functional results and resumed recreational activities and work. Traumatic lumbosacral spondylolisthesis requires a careful and well-documented initial clinical and radiological assessment. Most authors advocate surgical treatment as the mainstay of management. However, the long-term prognosis remains unclear and unpredictable.

Keywords: fracture dislocation; lumbar fusion; lumbosacral spine; spondylolisthesis; surgical treatment; traumatic injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports