Cervical Facet Dislocations. Outcome of Reduction & Anterior Plating in a Series of 21 Patients

Abstract

Background Data: treatment of cervical facet dislocations has varied from closed reduction and external immobilization to combined anterior and posterior instrumentation and fusion. Purpose: to evaluate single level anterior fixation for the management of cervical facet dislocations following closed or open reduction. Study Design: retrospective analysis of a case series. Patients and Methods: twenty-one patients (12 unilateral and 9 bilateral) with cervical facet dislocation were treated by reduction and anterior plate fixation. Results: the male to female ratio was 3.2:1. The mean age was 44 years. The commonest affected level was C5-6 (48.2%). Closed reduction by traction and open reduction were successful in 81.2% and 88.8% of attempted trials respectively. Radicular and incomplete spinal cord injuries showed better outcome than complete lesions. Solid fusion in good alignment was achieved in 20 patients while solid fusion with partial re-dislocation occurred in one patient with no further treatment required. Conclusion: anterior plate fixation alone is effective in treatment of cervical facet dislocations which can be successfully reduced either by traction or open anterior reduction. (2012ESJ029)

Keywords

• cervical facet
• dislocation
• fracture dislocation
• anterior plating
• Reduction