[Cervical spine. II. Fractures and dislocations (author's transl)]

Clinical and radiologic investigations in spinal fractures and dislocations must allow assessment of modifications in osteoarticular and neural functions. With respect to osteoarticular function it is necessary to identify the presence of both temporary or permanent instability and impaired static equilibrium. Regarding neural functions we must not only evaluate the neurologic damage but also residual stenosis of the spinal canal and sometimes of the intervertebral foramina. Compression induced by such stenosis is best demonstrated on métrizanide myelography. Management is currently aimed at better and more rapid correction of morphologic damages and disturbed stability. These goals are achieved by reduction and stabilisation using orthopedic or surgical techniques, the later involving an anterior or posterior approach to osteosynthesis. Systematic suppression of factors causing neural compression has led to a greater recovery rate than in the past.