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Cervical Facet Dislocations After Blunt Trauma and Vertebral Artery Injury
Alexander A Fokin1, Joanna Wycech Knight2, Amaris L Alayon1
1Division of Trauma and Critical Care Services, Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach, Florida; Department of Surgery, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|April 16, 2026
Summary
Cervical facet dislocations (CFD) occur in 19% of blunt cervical spine trauma patients. Vertebral artery injury (VAI) is found in 13% of CFD cases, predicted by maxillofacial coinjury and hematoma.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Cervical facet dislocation (CFD) is a severe injury following blunt trauma.
- Vertebral artery injury (VAI) is a critical complication associated with cervical spine trauma.
- Understanding the relationship between CFD and VAI is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze patients with cervical facet dislocation (CFD) after blunt trauma.
- To determine the incidence and predictors of vertebral artery injury (VAI) in patients with CFD.
- To identify factors associated with increased mortality in patients with CFD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 394 adult patients with blunt cervical spine trauma and neurological deficit.
- Analysis of demographic data, injury characteristics, coinjuries, and treatment outcomes.
- Multivariable logistic regression used to identify predictors of VAI and mortality.
Main Results:
- CFD was present in 19.0% of patients; the C5/C6 level was most common.
- VAI was present in 13.3% of patients with CFD.
- Maxillofacial coinjury (OR 53.7) and paravertebral hematoma (OR 14.9) were independent predictors of VAI in patients with CFD.
Conclusions:
- CFD is a significant injury in cervical spine trauma, occurring in 19% of cases.
- VAI complicates 13% of CFD cases, highlighting the need for vigilance.
- Early identification of maxillofacial coinjury and paravertebral hematoma can help predict VAI in CFD patients.
Keywords:
Blunt cerebrovascular injuriesCervical facet dislocationCervical spinal cord traumaCervical vertebrae fracturesForamen transversarium fracturesNeck injuriesVertebral artery injuryMore Related Videos
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