Radiological Signs in Traumatic Cervical Facet Joint Dislocations.

Natalie Leong,Chi Long Ho,Ernest Lim

doi:10.5334/jbsr.2314

Abstract

Unilateral cervical facet joint dislocation (UCFJD) is the most frequently missed cervical spine injury on plain radiographs. If left untreated, UCFJD can progress to bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation. Given the complexity of cervical facet joint dislocations, radiologists rely on metaphorical signs to identify them on radiographs. The “Bow-tie” and “laminar space” signs represent UCFJD on plain radiographs. The “reversed hamburger”, “naked facet” and “headphones” signs represent cervical facet joint dislocations on axial cross-sectional imaging. Illustrating these signs in an engaging manner facilitates pattern-based recognition, which can benefit trainees and radiologists. Moreover, pattern-based recognition can be applied to machine learning.

Highlights

In the normal anatomical relationship between the cervical facet joints, the inferior articulating facet of the superior vertebral body lies posterior to the superior facet of the inferior vertebral body
A Unilateral cervical facet joint dislocation (UCFJD) can progress to a bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation (BCFJD) [4], which is an unstable cervical spine injury
The vertebral body is no longer framed by the uncinate process of the lower vertebra; instead, it has moved anteriorly and is rotated towards the normal left side. This appearance gives rise to a unilateral positive “headphones sign”, which is commonly associated with unilateral cervical facet joint dislocation (UCFJD)

Summary

Introduction

In the normal anatomical relationship between the cervical facet joints, the inferior articulating facet of the superior vertebral body lies posterior to the superior facet of the inferior vertebral body. Radiological Signs in Traumatic Cervical Facet Joint Dislocations. Unilateral cervical facet joint dislocation (UCFJD) is one of the most commonly missed cervical spine injuries on plain radiographs [1,2,3], and it can have dire consequences. A UCFJD can progress to a bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation (BCFJD) [4], which is an unstable cervical spine injury.

Results

Conclusion