[Unstable traumatic lesions of the lower cervical spine without neurologic deficiency. Our experience at the Fondation Jeanne Ebori in Libreville (Gabon)].

23 cases of unstable traumatic lesions of the lower cervical spine, without neurologic complication, were treated over a period of eight years. These cases consisted of eight dislocations, five subluxations, nine fracture-dislocations and one "tear drop" or fracture of the vertebral body. Six cases were treated conservatively and fifteen operatively. Two patients died in skeletal traction while awaiting surgical intervention. The surgical approaches were anterior (6 cases), posterior (8 cases) and combined (1 case). There was one case of transitory neurologic deficit immediately after surgery. One case required re-intervention. Overall they obtained satisfactory osteoligamentary consolidation.