Unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine. An analysis of the results of treatment in 26 patients.

Twenty-six patients with unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine were analyzed to determine the best method of treatment of this injury, the incidence of late pain and instability, and the indications for surgical stabilization. This review showed that all patients with a unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine should be treated initially with halo traction in an attempt to obtain reduction. If reduction is obtained, then nonoperative treatment in the form of a halo thoracic apparatus may be the best method of treatment. Failure to obtain reduction with axial traction is an indication for open reduction and one-level posterior cervical fusion. Patients left in the displaced position and allowed to heal in that position usually develop late pain as a complication of this method of treatment.