Burst Fracture of C5 with Traumatic Anterior Spondyloptosis of C6 and Posterior Spondylolisthesis of C4 Vertebra: A Case Report

Abstract

Burst fracture of C5 with traumatic anterior spondyloptosis of C6 and posterior spondylolisthesis of C4 vertebra is an exceedingly rare high energy injury. Treatment includes decompression, reduction, stabilization, and fusion via anterior or posterior or combined anterior-posterior approach with or without prior traction. We report this rare subaxial cervical spine injury associated with quadriplegia managed with combined anterior and posterior instrumented fusion. A multidisciplinary approach with preoperative assessment and planning is crucial in managing cervical spine injury. Immediate postoperative critical care support, rehabilitation, and dedicated nursing care are required for a favorable outcome in traumatic quadriplegia.

Traumatic cervical spine spondyloptosis: A systematic review

“…In posterior type II form (Z Tetris shape aspect), the above vertebra enters the spinal canal, and so, the disunion interests the subjacent vertebra; this is specified in our two cases and another case. [ 13 ] Some interesting particular forms of TCS were reported; Tsujimoto et al described the “locked spondyloptosis” where posterior arch including spinous process is in the spinal canal. [ 1 ] Another case was reported by Özdoğan et al of a TCS with a single body isolated from above and beneath bodies.…”