Abstract
An unusual case of complete hyperextension fracture-dislocation of C 6 on C 7 with
no spinal cord deficit in a 50-year-old man is reported. Dissociation between the
fractured posterior arch, remaining in good alignment, and the anteriorly displaced
vertebral body, with anterior-posterior widening of the spinal canal, prevented spinal
cord damage. Posterior open reduction and internal fixation with plates screwed to
the articular masses resulted in anatomic and stable reposition of the displacements.
One year after the injury, the patient was symptom-free, with almost full neck mobility
and neurologically normal and CT scans showed a normal spinal canal.
Key words
facture-dislocation - lower cervical spine - hyperextension injury - cervical spine
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Dr. A. Barquet
Av. Sarmiento 2369, Apto. 301
11300 Montevideo
Uruguay
Email: antbar@adinet.com.uy
