Complete fracture-dislocation of cervical spine without permanent neurological sequelae

Abstract

A case of complete fracture-dislocation of the lower cervical spine in which there were no permanent neurological sequelae is presented. The absence of permanent neurological deficits with this type of injury is rare. The primary mechanism of injury in this patient was believed to be hyperextension with rupture of the ligamentous structures, allowing complete dislocation of the C-6 body while the posterior elements remained in good alignment due to multiple fractures which "decompressed" the spinal cord.