Management of Facet Joint Fracture-Dislocation of the Lower Cervical Spine with Reduction Failure

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the obstacles preventing a decrease in a facet joint fracture-dislocation of the lower cervical spine after skeletal traction to determine suitable treatment guidelines. Materials and Methods: This study examined 19 fracture-dislocation cases of the facet joint in the lower cervical spine who failed closed reduction through skeletal traction. The following parameters were analyzed: obstacles preventing reduction, neurological recovery, complications and body to canal ratio of the injured site. Results: The obstacles found on MRI were herniated discs in 17 cases and joint capsule in 2 cases. The surgical decision was based on an analysis of the size and location of the disc, the degree of spinal canal stenosis and damage of the posterior structures. Anterior reduction/fusion and posterior fusion after anterior reduction/fusion, anterior fusion after posterior reduction/fusion and posterior reduction/fusion was performed in 9, 2, 6 and 2 cases, respectively. There was significant neurological recovery at the final follow-up (p=0.000). The body to canal ratio also increased significantly after surgery (p=0.000). Conclusion: For the treatment of unreducible facet joint fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine, pre-reduction MRI is essential for a thorough evaluation of the various underlying pathologies. In addition the surgical methods should be determined according to not only the neurological status, obstacles and pathologic structures preventing reduction, but also the surgeon's experience.