Posterior reduction/fusion followed by anterior decompression/fusion of unreduced bilateral facet fracture-dislocation in the lower cervical trauma

We evaluate the results of posterior reduction/fusion followed by anterior fusion in 17 unreduced bilateral cervical facet fracture-dislocations with neurologic deficit. The patients were investigated for neurologic recovery [American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor and sensory scale], fusion rate and period, complications, operating time, and canal-to-body ratio at the region of injury. At the last follow-up, the ASIA motor and sensory scores demonstrated a statistically significant increase. No patient showed aggravation of neurologic symptoms. Canal-to-body ratio was 0.60 +/- 0.33 preoperatively and 0.92 +/- 0.06 postoperatively, which is a statistically significant increase. Posterior reduction/fusion followed by anterior decompression/fusion in unreduced cervical bilateral facet dislocation should be familiar to spine surgeons. It is not complex and is a relatively nondangerous treatment.