J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2022 Jun;57(3):265-269. 10.4055/jkoa.2022.57.3.265.

Fracture and Bilateral Facet Dislocation after Anterior Cervical Fusion in a Patient with a Distraction-Flexion Injury at the Lower Cervical Level

• Kim JK
• Kim JH
• Kim KT
• Song KJ

• KMID: 2530674
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2022.57.3.265

Abstract

A bilateral facet dislocation after anterior cervical fusion with a plate in distraction-flexion injury without significant instability in plain radiography is very rare. This paper reports a case with a confirmed injury status (C6–7 and C7–T1) by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography with no visible fractures or displacement on plain radiography. Anterior cervical fusion (C6–T1) was performed with a cage and plate. On the other hand, three days later, C6–7 bilateral facet dislocation developed with severe neck and radiating pain, and posterior decompression and fusion were performed.

Keyword

lower cervical spine; facet dislocation; flexion injury; anterior fusion