Unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine. An analysis of the x

---

results of treatment in 26 patients. x Rorabeck CH. Rock MG. Hawkins RJ. Bourne RB. x Spine. [JC:uxk] 12(1):23-7, 1987 Jan-Feb. x Twenty-six patients with unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical x spine were analyzed to determine the best method of treatment of this x injury, the incidence of late pain and instability, and the indications x for surgical stabilization. This review showed that all patients with a x unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine should be treated x initially with halo traction in an attempt to obtain reduction. If x reduction is obtained, then nonoperative treatment in the form of a halo x thoracic apparatus may be the best method of treatment. Failure to obtain x reduction with axial traction is an indication for open reduction and one x -level posterior cervical fusion. Patients left in the displaced position x and allowed to heal in that position usually develop late pain as a x complication of this method of treatment. x