Cervical Facet dislocation

A Patient's Journey with Bifacet Dislocation

John, a 45-year-old avid cyclist, was out on his usual morning ride when he encountered a sudden, unforeseen obstacle, causing him to crash. He was immediately aware of severe pain in his neck and an inability to move his arms and legs. Paramedics immediately immobilised his cervical spine to prevent further injury and rushed him to the nearest trauma centre.

Upon arrival at the hospital, John was quickly evaluated by the trauma team during a Trauma call and his neurological status was documented. A Trauma CT Scan revealed a severe cervical spine injury: a bifacet dislocation at the C5-C6 level. This type of injury occurs when the facets on both sides of a vertebra are dislocated, leading to instability and potential spinal cord injury.

The orthopaedic team insisted on an urgent MRI scan to rule out a disc herniation then performed an urgent closed reduction under general anaesthesia. This procedure aimed to realign the dislocated vertebrae, which is crucial for alleviating pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Despite the reduction, John's condition required further intervention. He underwent a posterior cervical fusion surgery, where the surgeons used rods and screws to stabilize the affected vertebrae. This surgical approach helps in maintaining spinal stability and allowing for proper healing.

Post-surgery, John was placed in a cervical collar and admitted to the intensive care unit for close monitoring. His road to recovery was long and challenging. It involved extensive physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in his limbs. The rehabilitation process focused on restoring his independence in daily activities, with a dedicated team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists supporting him.

Over several months, John's condition improved significantly. Though he faced some residual challenges due to the severity of his initial injury, the prompt and comprehensive care he received was instrumental in his recovery. Today, John has resumed many of his daily activities and continues to work towards regaining more function and strength.

John's experience underscores the importance of rapid and effective treatment for severe spinal injuries. The combination of prompt emergency care, surgical intervention, and dedicated rehabilitation played a pivotal role in his recovery journey.