Cervical intervertebral disc prolapse associated with traumatic facet dislocations

Abstract

Closed reduction of dislocated facet joints is considered safe by most authors. We report the occurrence of traumatic cervical disc prolapse associated with these injuries in four patients. Without adequate radiological exclusion of this pathology, reduction may have catastrophic consequences as illustrated by two of our cases. Anterior discectomy and open reduction and fixation provide safe and successful avenues of treatment.