Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04446-x · Published: March 25, 2024
This case report describes a rare instance of a complete cervical spine dislocation that occurred without a traumatic injury. The patient, a 33-year-old man with a history of immune polymyositis, experienced a severe head drop and progressive weakness. The patient's condition was characterized by anterior spondyloptosis of C4, extreme head drop, and irreducible cervico-thoracic kyphosis. Management of this case was complicated by the patient's existing medical condition and the severity of the spinal deformity. A multidisciplinary approach involving radiologists, anesthesiologists, and spine surgeons was crucial for the successful management of this critical situation, leading to spinal realignment, fixation, and progressive neurological recovery.
Emphasizes the importance of collaboration between radiologists, anesthesiologists, and spine surgeons in managing complex spinal cases.
Highlights the challenges in anesthetic management due to severe cervical angulation and the risk of neurological deterioration, necessitating careful monitoring and airway management strategies such as awake fiberoptic intubation.
Demonstrates the successful application of a multi-stage surgical approach for reducing cervical dislocation and achieving spinal stabilization, considering factors such as deformity severity and patient autonomy.