[Surgical treatment of neglected trauma related dislocations of the cervical vertebrae]

The series of 67 patients operated on for inveterate (more than 3 weeks since injury) trauma related dislocation of the cervical vertebrae between 1979 and 1990 is presented. Up to 3 months after injury an attempt to reduce the dislocation by means of the cranial traction has been undertaken. In cases of failure surgical reduction of the dislocation was performed. If this was unsuccessful in some cases the vertebral body narrowing spinal canal was removed. In 60% patients presenting neurological deficits a remarkable improvement was -- achieved what proves the surgical treatment to be useful even several months after injury.