Current research on unilateral cervical facet dislocation of the lower cervical spine

Abstract

Unilateral facet dislocation of the lower cervical spine is an important subgroup of cervical spine injuries, accounting for from 12% to 16% of all cervical spine injuries. Unilateral facet dislocation occurs the most commonly at the C5-6 level, and is closely related to the anatomic and morphometric features of the cervical facet. This injury has been attributed to combined flexion and rotation, but it remains unclear whether flexion or rotation is the component of greater importance. Its treatment includes nonoperative and operative measures but optimal treatment has not been established. It is generally accepted that a recommendable treatment protocol begins with closed reduction and proceeds depending on whether the closed reduction succeeds and traumatic disc herniation is present or not. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Dislocation; Treatment; Unilateral cervical facet