Surgical treatment was desirable to improve neuromuscular function in patients with sustained 3 years fracture‐dislocation of lower cervical spine: A case report

ibrain, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12054 · Published: January 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This case report discusses the surgical treatment of a 56-year-old female patient who experienced a fracture-dislocation of the lower cervical spine sustained 3 years prior to treatment. The patient underwent an anterior approach combined with subtotal vertebral body resection and titanium mesh cage (TMC) internal fixation. Postoperative symptoms were significantly improved. And during five‐year of follow‐up, no adverse reactions and complications were reported.

Study Duration

5 years (follow-up)

Participants

One 56-year-old female

Evidence Level

Level 4, Case Report

Key Findings

1
Anterior approach combined with subtotal vertebral body resection and TMC internal fixation was desirable to improve neuromuscular function for the old fracture‐dislocation of the lower cervical spine.
2
Surgical treatment was still necessary and effective in patients with old fracture‐dislocation of lower cervical spine trauma lasting for years.
3
The timing of surgery for an old cervical fracture was not fixed and may not be limited to a few months after the injury.

Research Summary

This case reports a female patient suffering old fracture‐dislocation of lower cervical spine trauma that lasted for 3 years, whose neurological and spinal functional impairment was significantly improved by anterior approach combined with subtotal vertebral resection and TMC internal fixation. This case further proved that the anterior approach combined with subtotal vertebral resection and TMC internal fixation was effective, safe, and feasible for the treatment of old lower cervical fracture‐dislocation. Surgical treatment was still necessary and effective in patients with old fracture‐dislocation of lower cervical spine trauma lasting for years.

Practical Implications

Clinical Treatment Advice

The report offers insights into the surgical management of patients with chronic cervical vertebral fractures.

Surgical Timing

The study suggests that surgery can be beneficial even years after the initial injury.

Surgical Approach

Anterior decompression combined with subtotal laminectomy combined with TMC internal fixation combines the advantages of both, ensuring relieving spinal cord compression, and promoting bone graft fusion, which is a more ideal surgical approach and worthy of clinical promotion.

Study Limitations

1
Only one patient was reported in this case.
2
The reliability of the therapeutic effect was limited.
3
More case studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and necessity of surgical treatment for patients with old cervical fractures.

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