Bilateral Cervical Facet Dislocation Due to Catastrophic Shallow Water Diving: A Case Report

Bilateral cervical facet dislocation is a rare injury resulting from headfirst shallow water diving accidents. Accurate diagnosis, prompt management, precise intervention, and aggressive rehabilitation can lead to a favourable neurologic and functional outcome for cervical spine injuries. In this case, we present a young adolescent patient who experienced bilateral facet dislocation of C4/C5, resulting in incomplete central cord syndrome neurological deficits (American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale C) due to a dangerous shallow water diving accident. The patient subsequently underwent emergency posterior instrumentation and decompression for stabilization and rehabilitation. Immediately following the surgery, he exhibited substantial neurologic recovery and was able to walk independently after six months. This case is unique not only for its rarity but also because it involved a young adolescent, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to reduce the risk of dangerous shallow water diving accidents.