Treatment of Unilateral Facet Dislocation and Fracture-Dislocation of the Cervical Spine

Abstract

We have treated 6 cases of unilateral facet dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine.
Operative treatment were performed in 2 cases, and the other 4 cases were treated conservatively. Clinical results were almost identical for both treatments, but radiographically, the operative treatments produced better results. We have also seen some unusual movements and/or subluxations in patients treated conservatively.
We conclude that it is difficult to maintain anatomical integrity in a patient with such injuries using a Halo-vest.