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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
A Rare Case of C5-C6 Bilateral Facetal Dislocation with Central Cord Syndrome Managed by Staged Stabilization
Soumyamay Mukherjee1, K Pradeep Pandian2, Vishnu Senthil1
1Department of Orthopaedic, Government Roypettah Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Introduction:
Subaxial cervical spine injuries are common following high-energy trauma; however, bilateral facet dislocation at C5-C6 associated with central cord syndrome (CCS) is rare. Such injuries demand early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention to optimize neurological recovery.
Case Report:
A 63-year-old male presented with neck pain and quadriparesis following a fall from a height of 6 feet under the influence of alcohol. Neurological examination revealed upper limb weakness more severe than lower limbs, consistent with CCS.Imaging showed C5-C6 fracture dislocation with bilateral locked facets and spinal cord compression. Closed reduction using Gardner-Wells skull traction was followed by staged posterior lateral mass fixation and anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. The patient showed significant neurological improvement postoperatively.
Conclusion:
Early reduction and staged surgical stabilization in C5-C6 bilateral facet dislocation with CCS leads to favorable neurological outcomes, especially in elderly patients with pre-existing cervical degeneration.
