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Misdiagnosed bilateral C5-C6 dislocation causing cervical spine instability: a case report.
Ioannis D Gelalis1, Georgios Christoforou, Christina M Arnaoutoglou
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, St. Niarchos Avenue 45500, Ioannina, Greece. idgelalis@msn.com
Cases Journal
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Early diagnosis of cervical spine injuries in blunt trauma patients is crucial. Misdiagnosed dislocations, like this C5-C6 case, highlight the need for prompt radiologic evaluation before physiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Traumatology
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Cervical spine injuries are a diagnostic challenge in blunt trauma.
- Delayed or missed diagnoses increase patient morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of delayed diagnosis of bilateral C5-C6 dislocation.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of cervical spine injuries.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 57-year-old female with a misdiagnosed C5-C6 dislocation.
- Treatment involved open reduction and spinal fusion with posterior instrumentation.
Main Results:
- The patient presented one month after initial injury with a confirmed bilateral C5-C6 dislocation.
- Delayed diagnosis and initiation of physiotherapy despite clinical pain were noted.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must maintain high suspicion for cervical spine injuries in blunt trauma patients with positive clinical findings.
- Radiologic studies are essential for screening, and physiotherapy should be withheld until spine injury is ruled out.
