Diagnosis and Management of Traumatic Spondyloptosis: A Series of 30 Cases

Traumatic spondylolisthesis is a severe injury involving 100% displacement of one vertebral body over another in the coronal or sagittal plane, caused by the complete disruption of spinal stabilizing elements due to high-energy trauma. This injury often compromises vital organ structures, requiring prompt management to reduce morbidity and mortality.

A case series was conducted at the Spine Clinic "Dr. Manuel Dufoo Olvera" IMSS Bienestar from February 1, 2015, to June 29, 2025. Data included sex, age, injury mechanism, vertebral segment, associated injuries, neurological deficits, hospital stay, and treatment.

30 cases (100%) were reported: 23 men (76.67%) and 7 women (23.33%), with ages ranging from 18 to 67 years (mean: 35). Injury mechanisms were falls from height (21 cases, 70.97%) and motor vehicle accidents (9 cases, 29.03%). Affected segments: cervical spine, 4 cases (13.33%), cervicothoracic junction, 3 cases (10%), thoracic spine, 16 cases (53.33%), thoracolumbar junction, 4 cases (13.33%), and lumbar spine, 3 cases (10%). Neurological deficits: ASIA A 20 cases (66.67%), ASIA B 2 cases (6.67%), ASIA C 1 case (3.33%), and ASIA D 7 cases (23.33%). Associated injuries: thoracic trauma 16 cases (52.17%), head trauma 8 cases (30.43%), extremity trauma 3 cases (8.70%), and abdominal trauma 3 cases (8.70%). Hospital stay ranged from 7 to 105 days (mean: 37.89). A total of 27 cases (89.25%) survived, while 3 cases (10.75%) died.

Findings align with other reports regarding male predominance, injury mechanisms, and neurological deficits. Key differences included the affected age group and the lack of prior documentation on hospital stay duration.

Traumatic spondyloptosis is a devastating injury requiring comprehensive evaluation and strict multidisciplinary management to reduce morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay and facilitate social reintegration.