Surgical Management of Old Lower Cervical Dislocations With Locked Facet

Is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Sufficient for Neglected Unstable Hangman's Fracture? A Retrospective Case Series of Five Patients

Introduction

This study investigates the outcomes of treating neglected unstable Hangman's fractures through a single-stage Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure with tricortical iliac crest bone grafts.

Methods

Five patients with neglected unstable Hangman's fractures, treated at our institution between March 2012 and March 2017, underwent C2-C3 ACDF. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and Neck Disability Index (NDI), and neurological evaluation was done using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system. The radiological assessment included serial plain radiographs and a computed tomography scan at a 12-month follow-up.

Results

Postoperatively, C2-C3 angulation improved significantly, decreasing from 15° to 4.4°, and sagittal translation improved from 4.2 mm to 2 mm. The VAS score improved from 6.4 to 1.4 at 24 months postsurgery. Concurrently, NDI decreased from 70.4% to 14.8%. Fusion occurred in an average of 5.6 months. Neurologically, one patient improved from ASIA grade D to grade E, while the other four retained their grade E status.

Conclusions

A single-stage ACDF with autologous iliac crest bone grafts is an effective surgical option for neglected type II/IIA Hangman's fractures, yielding satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes. This technique significantly corrects anterior translation and angulation, even in neglected cases, with the aid of intraoperative skull traction and plate reduction.

Cervical corpectomy in delayed presentation of irreducible cervical dislocation: experience with eight cases

OBJECTIVE

To describe a single-staged procedure for the management of neglected subaxial cervical spine injuries.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and December 2014, 12 patients presented to us with healed cervical sub axial dislocations. The deformities could not be reduced using skull traction. Eight were operated with anterior cervical corpectomy. American spinal injury Association (ASIA) grade, Neck Disability index (NDI), and Visual analog scale (VAS) score were recorded throughout the patient course and CT was done at 12 months for assessment of fusion.

RESULTS

Four patients improved from ASIA C to ASIA D, two patients improved from ASIA B to ASIA E, one patient improved from ASIA D to ASIA E and one patient remained static at ASIA B. All patients except one showed evidence of fusion on CT scan at 12 months. NDI improved from preoperative range (18-32, mean 25) to postoperative range (8-16 mean, 11.25), VAS from preoperative range (3-6, mean 4.25) to postoperative range (1-3, mean 1.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Single-stage in situ fixation does not disrupt ongoing natural healing and has good clinical and radiological outcomes.

Delayed presentation of lower cervical facet dislocations: What to learn from past reports?

Delayed presentation of lower cervical facet dislocations is uncommon, and there is no standardized way to approach these neglected injuries. The literature on neglected lower cervical facet dislocations is limited to case reports and few retrospective studies. This justifies the need for a comprehensive review of this condition. Our purpose was to elaborate a review on the epidemiology, clinical and radiological presentation, and treatment techniques and approach to these neglected injuries. Middle-aged adults from 30 to 50 represent 73.8% of reported cases, and most of them are males (72.0%). The most affected level is C5-C6 (43.0%). While most delays are due to missed injuries (52.1%) and ineffective non-operative treatment (36.2%), the other reason for delay is negligence in seeking medical care (11.7%). Patients present with variable degrees of neurological deficit, persistent neck pain, and neck stiffness. Reported approaches and techniques to reduce and stabilize these injuries are highly variable and depend on the surgeon's judgment, experience, and preference. Fibrotic tissues and bony fusion around the dislocated facet joint contribute to the reduction challenge, and 77.0% of closed reduction attempts fail. Anterior and posterior approaches to the cervical spine are used selectively or in combination for surgical release, reduction, and stabilization. Despite the lack of standardized treatment guidelines and different approaches, most of the authors reported improvement in pain, balance, and neurology post-surgery. Starting with the posterior surgical approach aims to achieve reduction compared to the anterior approach which largely aims at spinal decompression. Given the existing controversies, the need for quality prospective studies to determine the best treatment approach for lower cervical facet dislocations presenting with delay is evident.

[Treatment of locked lower cervical fracture and dislocation with anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation combined with the release of interlocking facet through the Luschka joint and anterior lamina space]

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of treatment of locked lower cervical fracture and dislocation with anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation combined with the release of the interlocking facet through the Luschka joint and anterior lamina space.

Methods

Twelve patients with lower cervical interlocking fracture and dislocation were analyzed retrospectively between January 2013 and June 2015. There were 7 males and 5 females, aged 25-59 years with an average age of 38.4 years. The disease duration was 9.6 hours to 100 days with an average of 7.3 days. There were 8 cases of unilateral locking and 4 cases of bilateral locking; 4 cases of old injury and 8 cases of fresh injury. The injured segments were 2 cases of C _{3, 4}, 5 cases of C _{4, 5}, 3 cases of C _{5, 6}, and 2 cases of C _{6, 7}. According to Meyerding classification, there were 9 cases of grade Ⅰ and 3 cases of grade Ⅱ. According to the functional classification of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), there were 2 cases of grade C, 6 cases of grade D, and 4 cases of grade E. The interlocking facet was released through the Luschka joint and anterior lamina space, and the anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation were used to treat the fracture and dislocation of the lower cervical spine. The recovery of spinal cord function was judged by the functional classification of ASIA; visual analogue scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI) score, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (m-JOA) score were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy; the Cobb angle of fusion segment were observed by X-ray film. The intervertebral bone graft fusion was evaluated at 6 months after operation.

Results

The average operation time was 78.30 minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was 167.30 mL, and the average postoperative drainage volume was 58.12 mL. No blood transfusion was given during or after operation. During the operation, there was no accidental injury of large blood vessels, esophagus, and trachea; no laryngo edema, dysphagia, hoarseness, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred after operation; no spinal cord injury or nerve root injury aggravated; the incision healed by first intention, and no infection occurred. All 12 cases were followed up 15-20 months, with an average of 16.5 months. The symptoms and function of the nerve injury were significantly improved when compared with that before operation. Re-examination of the cervical spine X-ray film at 6 months after operation showed that the Cage or bone graft was not displaced or broken, the screw was not loosened or detached, and the intervertebral graft fusion rate was up to 100%. At last follow-up, the ASIA grade, Cobb angle of fusion segment, neck pain VAS score, m-JOA score, and NDI score were significantly improved when compared with preoperative one ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

The effectiveness of treatment of locked lower cervical fracture and dislocation with anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation combined with the release of the interlocking facet through the Luschka joint and anterior lamina space is clear, which not only can make the injured segment get satisfactory reduction, immediate stability and reconstruction, and full decompression, but also can effectively prevent the secondary injury of spinal cord.

Management of Neglected Post-traumatic Bilateral Facet Dislocation of Sub-axial Cervical Spine: A Case Series

Neglected bilateral facet dislocation of the lower cervical spine is a rare condition and found mostly in developing countries like Nepal. Delayed presentation makes treatment more challenging concerning decompression, reduction, neurological recovery, and overall outcome. We managed three cases of bilateral facet dislocations of the fifth-sixth-seventh cervical vertebra level presented after three months of injury. All of those were treated surgically by combined anterior-posterior-anterior approaches with the same principle. One patient had a complete neurological recovery, the second one recovered partially with few long-term complications and the third one did not improve at all.

Clinical Efficacy of Anterior Partial Corpectomy and Titanium Mesh Fusion and Internal Fixation for Treatment of Old Fracture Dislocation of the Lower Cervical Spine

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features and to evaluate the efficacy of anterior partial corpectomy and titanium mesh fusion and internal fixation of old fracture dislocation of the lower cervical spine.

Material/Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 52 patients with old lower cervical fracture and dislocation treated with anterior partial corpectomy and titanium mesh fusion fixation between January 2008 and December 2013, with a mean follow-up period of 4.1 years. There were 35 males and 17 females. Patient radiological data and clinical parameters were recorded and compared before and after the operations.

Results

The average follow-up was 4.1 years. Intervertebral height and physiological curvature were well-reconstructed for all cases. No loosening or rupturing of titanium plate or screw occurred. The neurological function of the patients with incomplete spinal cord injury was significantly improved, and the function of the nerve roots at the injury level was also improved in patients with complete spinal cord injury. Bone fusion was completed within 6 months to 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions

Completed decompression, sequence and physiological curvature of the cervical vertebra, immediate and long-term anterior cervical column support, and nerve function restoration can be achieved by using anterior partial corpectomy and titanium mesh fusion and internal fixation to treat old fracture dislocation of the lower cervical spine. For cases with locked facet joints or posterior structures invading the vertebral canal, the combined anterior and posterior approaches should be performed, when necessary, to achieve better results.

Anterior release and nonstructural bone grafting and posterior fixation for old lower cervical dislocations with locked facets

Lower cervical dislocations are often missed at the time of initial injury for several reasons. The treatment of old facet dislocations of the lower cervical spine is difficult, and the optimal method has not been established. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a surgical technique, anterior release, and nonstructural bone grafting combined with posterior fixation, for the treatment of old lower cervical dislocations with locked facets.This was a retrospective study of 17 patients (13 men and 4 women) with old facet dislocations, who underwent the same surgical treatment at our hospital between April 2010 and January 2016. The anterior procedure was conducted to remove the fusion mass and to achieve discectomy and morselized bone grafting. Subsequent posterior procedure included release, reduction, and posterior fusion. The neurologic status, clinical data (Japanese Orthopedic Association [JOA], Neck Disability Index [NDI], and Visual Analog Scale [VAS] scores), and radiographic information (local sagittal alignment and bone graft fusion) were recorded and evaluated pre and postoperatively.All patients achieved a nearly complete reduction intraoperatively. The mean operative time was 178 ± 49 minutes. The mean blood loss was 174 ± 73 mL. Each patient completed at least 12 months of follow-up. The mean follow-up duration was 32.6 ± 18.5 months. The neurologic status according to the Frankel grade was significantly improved at the last follow-up. The JOA, NDI, and VAS scores all demonstrated significant improvements compared with the preoperative values (P < .05). The kyphosis angle of the dislocated segments was 10.5 ± 5.9° at preoperation, and was corrected to 5.9 ± 4.3° lordosis postoperatively. Anterior and posterior solid fusion was observed in all patients within 12 months of follow-up. Fat liquefaction and delayed healing of the posterior wound occurred in 1 patient. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in another patient. There was no neurologic deterioration and no procedure-related complications.Anterior release and nonstructural bone grafting combined with posterior fixation provides a safe and effective option for treating old lower cervical dislocations with locked facets.

Neglected dislocation in sub-axial cervical spine: Case series and a suggested treatment protocol

Context:

Approaches suggested for treatment of neglected dislocations in the subaxial cervical spine (SACS) include only anterior approach (a), only posterior approach (b), posterior-anterior approach, posterior-anterior-posterior approach, and anterior-posterior-anterior-posterior approach. No protocol is suggested in literature to guide surgeons treating neglected dislocations.

Aim:

To describe a protocol for the treatment of neglected dislocation in the SACS.

Settings and Designs:

Retrospective case series and review of literature.

Materials and Methods:

Six consecutive patients of neglected dislocation (presenting to us more than 3 weeks following trauma) of the SACS were operated as per the protocol suggested in this paper. A retrospective review of the occupational therapy reports, patient records, and radiographs was performed. Only cases with time lapse of more than 3 weeks between the time of injury and initial management have been included in the review.

Results:

Closed reduction (CR) was achieved in three patients following cervical traction and these were managed by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Open reduction via posterior approach and soft tissue release was required to achieve reduction in two patients. Following reduction posterior instrumented fusion was done in them. One patient with preoperative neurological deficit needed a facetectomy to achieve reduction. Following short-segment fixation, ACDF was also performed in this patient. None of the patients deteriorated neurologically following surgery. Fusion was achieved in all patients.

Conclusions:

Preoperative and intraoperative traction have a role in the management of neglected dislocations in the cervical spine. If CR is achieved the patient may be managed by ACDF. If CR is not achieved, posterior soft tissue release may be done to achieve reduction and partial facetectomy must be reserved for cases in which reduction is not achieved after soft tissue release. A treatment protocol for management of neglected dislocation in the SACS has been suggested in this paper.

Bony fusion in a chronic cervical bilateral facet dislocation

BACKGROUND

Cervical facet dislocation injuries typically present shortly after occurrence due to the pain and neurologic deficit that can be associated with this injury. Bilateral dislocations of the facet joint require prompt evaluation, reduction, and surgical intervention. Rare case reports present bilateral dislocations presenting in a delayed fashion.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 60-year-old male who presented with mild neck pain 1 year after initial injury. Computed topography of the cervical spine showed healing with bony fusion of a bilateral C6-7 facet dislocation. Given the chronic healed nature of the injury and minimal symptoms, the patient is being followed without intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most bilateral facet dislocations present and are treated immediately after injury; this case illustrates that some may be missed during initial evaluation. Once healed, these injuries may be stable without surgical intervention.