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Fracture dislocation of cervical facet joint

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Passenger MVA

Patient Data

Age: 90
Gender: Female

Left C6/7 facet joint dislocation (locked facet) resulting in grade 2 anterolisthesis of C6 on C7.

Mild associated rotatory subluxation without dislocation of the right facet joint. No associated fracture.

Alignment at the remaining levels is anatomical with no fracture seen elsewhere.

Apparent hyperdensity in the anterior aspect of the upper thoracic spinal canal appears due to beam hardening artefact from arms and shoulders - this is further supported by normal appearance of this region in the CT chest (not shown).

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