Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025

A Rat Carotid Artery Pressure-Controlled Segmental Balloon Injury with Periadventitial Therapeutic Application
Published on: July 9, 2020
Common carotid artery medialization and fracture dislocation of the cervical spine
François-Xavier Ferracci1, Donatien Heuze2, Riccardo Sacco2,3
1Clairval private hospital, 317 Bvd du Redon, 13273, Marseille, France.
Purpose:
To describe the management of the discovery of a retropharyngeal carotid artery in the context of a cervical dislocation.
Description Of The Case:
A 68-year-old female presented acute neck pain and incomplete tetraplegia following a fall on the stairs. Radiographs, contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance of the cervical spine revealed a C5-C6 bi-articular dislocation. A detailed preoperative assessment of the images discovered a medialization of the left common carotid artery. An external reduction and a left anterior cervical approach allowed a careful management of the vascular variation and an anterior C5-C6 arthrodesis. At six months, a full neurological recovery was assessed and radiographs demonstrated successful fusion of the cervical arthrodesis.
Discussion/Conclusion:
Anatomical features such as medialization of the common carotid artery may affect patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries. The severity of the traumatic bone lesions should not overshadow the preoperative analysis of the adjacent anatomical structures encountered during the surgical approach, even in an emergency situation.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Muscles that Move the Head
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
Articulations of the Vertebral Column
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

