Traumatic cervical anterior spondyloptosis: Literature review and case report

Abstract

Cervical spondyloptosis is the dislocation of the cervical spinal column with a complete slip of one vertebral body over another most often caused by motor vehicle accident and falls. Due to compression, total or partial transection of the spinal cord, neurological deficits are very common. Epidemiology of cervical spinal injury globally is estimated at 12 cases per 100,000 persons with a higher incidence in developing countries. We review the literature and report a case of traumatic C5–6 anterior cervical spondyloptosis that was successfully managed with anterior cervical spine fusion only, after preoperative closed reduction was achieved by traction. An 18-year-old female with complete cord syndrome below C5 with right vertebral artery total occlusion above the injury level. This study is aimed at understanding the benefits of closed traction reduction to do or not to do, management of vertebral artery injury in anterior cervical spondyloptosis.