Management of Cervical lateral mass fractures -A systematic review

A notable anatomic feature of the facet joint is the lateral mass, which is comprised of the superior and inferior articular processes of the vertebral body. A unique fracture pattern involves a lamina fracture and ipsilateral pedicle fracture resulting in a separation of the lateral mass from the vertebral body, called a floating lateral mass fracture (FLM). FLMs commonly co-occur with vertebral artery or neurologic injury and is usually managed surgically. Few studies have focused on FLMs alone; thus, the objective of the current study is to provide a systematic review regarding the epidemiology and management of FLM.

A retrospective protocol was used to search Medline (via PubMed) and Embase to identify all studies focused on floating lateral mass fractures. "floating lateral mass fracture" and "cervical" or "spine" were used in conjunction with boolean terms to find related articles. Single-case studies, unpublished articles, non-English articles, and other systematic reviews were excluded. Studies focusing on C1 lateral mass fractures were also excluded. Data regarding patient characteristics, injury characteristics, diagnostic imaging, and treatment were gathered.

A total of 332 patients were identified with floating lateral mass fractures (FLM) of the subaxial cervical spine. There were 217 men (63.4 %) and 68 women (20.5 %) and 47 participants with gender not reported. The mean age was 41.8 ± 7.98 years. The most common levels of injury C6 and C5. Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) were the most reported index event. Cervical collars were the most used non-operative treatment modality, with most studies specifying the use of hard cervical collar or a halo vest. Vertebral subluxation was later identified in 22 (31 %) patients treated nonoperatively. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) was the most performed procedure including a one level, with 67 patients (28.2 %) and two-level fusions with 55 patients (23.2 %), totaling to 122 patients (51.4 %). Minimal reports of subluxation post-operatively were reported.

Floating lateral mass fractures are an uncommon, but severe, subtype of cervical facet fractures. FLM inherently results in spinal instability, and as a result surgical management is preferred versus non-surgical.