Cervical unilateral facet dislocation and central cord syndrome: Case report

Abstract

Traumatic cervical dislocations associated with post-traumatic nucleus pulposus herniation are uncommon yet clinically significant injuries due to their potential to cause significant neurological deficits. These injuries typically result from high-energy trauma—such as motor vehicle accidents involving cervical hyperextension or hyperflexion and posterior compression—leading to vertebral displacement, rupture of the annulus fibrosus, and spinal cord compression.

Central Cord Syndrome (CCS) is the most common neurological manifestation of such trauma; early identification of the injury level via imaging and timely surgical intervention are crucial for the patient's functional recovery and clinical outcome.

We present the case of an adult patient with a C4–C5 cervical dislocation and post-traumatic disc herniation who developed Central Cord Syndrome; the patient was treated with early reduction, decompression, and cervical stabilization, achieving significant clinical improvement.