Post-Traumatic Cervical Spondyloptosis Without Neurological Deficits: A Case Report

Traumatic cervical spondyloptosis is a rare and severe situation, i.e., associated with disabling neurological deficits.

We described an unusual clinical presentation of cervical spondyloptosis in a 49-year-old man without neurological impairment and severe neck pain. Moreover, C6-C7 spondyloptosis was assessed two days after the trauma. X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated a C6 bi-pedicular fracture, C6-C7 facet dislocation with complete ptosis of C6 vertebral body over C7 and without spinal cord injury. The patient was managed with an intra-operative 4 Kg traction and underwent a posterior decompression, with reduced fracture/dislocation by bilateral completed facetectomies at C6, and fusion from C4 to T3.

This case report emphasized that sometimes cervical spondyloptosis may occur without neurological deficit symptoms. Prompt clinical recognition and surgical removal are essential to prevent serious complications in this respect.