BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07586-9 · Published: June 11, 2024
A rare condition known as "lucky fracture dislocation" occurs when a patient experiences a severe cervical spine fracture and dislocation but does not suffer severe spinal cord injury. This case report details the successful treatment of a 73-year-old male who sustained a complete fracture and dislocation of C7 following a fall, yet retained sensory movement in his limbs. The patient underwent surgical reduction and internal fixation, leading to significant pain relief and recovery of sensory and motor functions in the affected limbs over a two-year follow-up period.
Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cervical fractures in trauma patients, even in the absence of significant neurological deficits, and utilize advanced imaging techniques like CT and MRI for accurate diagnosis.
Early surgical intervention, including reduction, fixation, and decompression, is crucial for stabilizing the cervical spine and preventing secondary neurological injury in patients with unstable fracture-dislocations.
Meticulous handling and positioning techniques during patient transport and surgical procedures are essential to minimize the risk of iatrogenic spinal cord injury in patients with "lucky fracture dislocations."