Abstract
Cervical facet dislocations represent a severe form of cervical spine injury and can
be present unilaterally or bilaterally. They are invariably associated with neurological
compromise, with complete spinal cord injury seen in 65 to 87% and the incomplete
injury seen in 13 to 25% of the cases. The facet dislocations represent hyperflexion–distraction
injuries and are classified as type B in the AO classification system. These are unstable
injuries and necessitate some form of surgical stabilization. A variety of surgical
procedures can be performed to effect the reduction of the locked facets which can
be performed anteriorly, posteriorly, and by combined approaches. The article focuses
on the indications, contraindications, and on the surgical management and the techniques
used in the reduction of unilateral or bilateral locked facets.
Keywords
fracture - facet - treatment - injury
