[Surgical treatment of injuries of the lower cervical spine]

Fractures at the C3-C7 level present primarily diagnostic problems. If instability is certain, therapy is simple: using an image intensifier, dislocation is reduced under general anesthesia and relaxation, and later secured by anterior interbody fusion. Compound fractures demand total resection of the vertebral body and its (autologous) replacement. Plating of the adjacent segments is mandatory. Neurological function after a dysfunction free interval may be fully restored if primary reduction and stabilization are achieved. Postponed treatment is less useful, but may also improve neurological deficits.