One stage combined posterior and anterior operative reduction and stabilization of old lower cervical spine dislocation

ABSTRACT

In this study, combined posterior and anterior operative realignment and stabilization was carried out at one stage for ten patients with symptomatic old lower cervical spine dislocation. The time elapsed between injury and the proper diagnosis ranged from 2-8 months. Surgery was indicated when there was instability resulting in deformity or pain and in case of further deterioration [or development] of the neurological status. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated both clinically and radiologically to assess the value of such delayed surgery in these old injuries. At the final follow up, which averaged 20 months, the neurological status was improved in all patients, solid fusion and correction of deformity occurred in all patients and pain relief occurred in eight patients