Anterior reduction of interlocking facets in the lower cervical spine

Twelve patients with locked facets of the lower cervical spine were surgically treated through an anterior approach. The interlocking was bilateral in 2 cases and unilateral in 10; in all patients, skull traction failed to obtain the reduction. The technique of anterior reduction is described, with particular attention to the importance of complete removal of the disc before insertion of the distractor. Reduction was easily and safely achieved in all cases, and no significant complication occurred.