Spinal subluxation - perched facet joints

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Motor vehicle collision injury. Intense neck pain without neurological deficits.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

Severe subluxation of C4 on C5 (grade 3 sec. Meyerding classification of spinal subluxation). The facets of C4 appear 'perched' on those of C5 and are 'locked' in this dislocated position with ruptured disc space. There are no fracture.

Case Discussion

There is a varying degree of slippage of the body of one vertebra relative to the underlying vertebra, owing to ligamentous injury and the jumped facets. This injury is rarely associated with neurologic damage but is potentially unstable.

Radiographer: TSRM Nunzio Bianco

Radiographer: TSRM Fabio Imola

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