Presentation
Trauma.
Patient Data
There is approximately 50% subluxation of C5 on C6, with intervertebral disc space narrowing.
This is associated with bilateral dislocated facets joints at this level, in association with abnormal widening of the interspinous space. No fracture is identified. There is severe central canal stenosis at this level, with significant impingement of the cervical cord.
There is abnormal anterior vertebral soft tissue swelling centered at this level.
Conclusion
The findings are consistent with a severe hyperflexion injury, with bilateral locked facets at the C5/C6 level.
Anterior discectomy and fusion is demonstrated at the level of C5/6.
There is mild kyphosis at this level with mild retrolisthesis of C6 on C5.
On the right, the facet joint is still dislocated and there is a 6 mm separation between the superior and inferior articular processes on the left.
Case Discussion
"Locked facets" are a type of facet joint dislocation, and is an unstable injury.
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