Management of Traumatic Cervical Spondyloptosis with an Unsealable Dura Tear: A Case Report

Cervical spondyloptosis is defined as dislocation of the spinal column, most often caused by trauma. Due to transection of the spinal cord, severe neurological deficits are common. Here, we reviewed the case of a young man who presented with mental stupor and complete tetraplegia below the level of C5. The patient's left shoulder was sucked into a machine and subjected to strong lateral bending and distraction. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed fracture dislocation and complete transection of the spinal cord at the C5-6 level. Three-dimensional CT scan showed coronal and sagittal spondyloptosis. He underwent open reduction with two surgeries performed via the anterior and posterior approaches: C5-6 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and lateral mass screw fixation with allograft from C3 to C7. In addition, both ends of the huge dura defect were sutured. We report the clinical history, imaging findings, and surgical management of spondyloptosis with a complete transected spinal cord containing a considerable dura tear.