{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,3]],"date-time":"2026-02-03T10:26:51Z","timestamp":1770114411893,"version":"3.49.0"},"reference-count":38,"publisher":"Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)","issue":"9","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,3]],"date-time":"2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1740960000000},"content-version":"unspecified","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["J Cosmet Laser Ther"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,3]]},"abstract":"\n BACKGROUND<\/jats:title>\n Bilateral facet dislocation results from flexion and distraction forces that tear the posterior ligamentous complex, disrupt the facet joint capsules, and can cause fracture of the superior articular processes of the facet joints, leading to vertebral subluxation and potentially serious spinal cord injury. When clinically feasible, the typical management is rapid closed reduction followed by fusion, typically by means of anterior, posterior, or circumferential fixation. However, the risk of construct failure in the event of anterior-only fixation is not fully understood. Since construct failure can result in recurrent vertebral subluxation and spinal cord injury, understanding the risk and mode of failure can guide clinicians in the selection of the optimal surgical approach.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n OBSERVATIONS<\/jats:title>\n The authors present a unique case of a failed anterior-alone fusion for bilateral facet dislocation that resulted in spinal cord injury. A subsequent review of the literature identified specific risk factors that can contribute to construct failure.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n LESSONS<\/jats:title>\n Age, bilateral facet injury, extensive damage to the posterior ligamentous complex, and fractures to the endplate, facets, or pedicles increase the risk of construct failure of anterior-alone fixation following subaxial cervical facet dislocations. A combined anterior-posterior fixation may be recommended in such circumstances.<\/jats:p>\n \n https:\/\/thejns.org\/doi\/10.3171\/CASE24563<\/jats:ext-link>\n <\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3171\/case24563","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,3]],"date-time":"2025-03-03T01:53:52Z","timestamp":1740966832000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Catastrophic failure of anterior fusion for bilateral cervical facet dislocation: illustrative case"],"prefix":"10.3171","volume":"9","author":[{"given":"Michael B.","family":"Lemonick","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Alejandro","family":"Carrasquilla","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"John K.","family":"Houten","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Konstantinos","family":"Margetis","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1754","reference":[{"issue":"1","key":"bib1","series-title":"J Belg Soc Radiol","article-title":"Radiological signs in traumatic cervical facet joint dislocations","volume":"105","author":"Leong","year":"2021","unstructured":"Leong NELim EHo CL.Radiological signs in traumatic cervical facet joint dislocations. J Belg Soc Radiol. 2021;105(1):8."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib2","series-title":"Int J Spine Surg","first-page":"256","article-title":"Awake cranial traction and isolated anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the treatment of traumatic subaxial cervical facet joint dislocations: analysis of a cohort of 70 patients and predictors of surgical failure","volume":"16","author":"Sousa","year":"2022","unstructured":"Sousa ARodrigues CMarques MAmorim-Barbosa TRodrigues-Pinto R.Awake cranial traction and isolated anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the treatment of traumatic subaxial cervical facet joint dislocations: analysis of a cohort of 70 patients and predictors of surgical failure. Int J Spine Surg. 2022;16(2):256-263."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib3","series-title":"Spine (Phila Pa 1976)","first-page":"648","article-title":"Anterior reduction for cervical spine dislocation","volume":"31","author":"Reindl","year":"2006","unstructured":"Reindl ROuellet JHarvey EJBerry GArlet V.Anterior reduction for cervical spine dislocation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006;31(6):648-652."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib4","series-title":"Neurospine","first-page":"181","article-title":"Reduction of lower cervical facet dislocation: a review of all techniques","volume":"20","author":"Liu","year":"2023","unstructured":"Liu KZhang Z.Reduction of lower cervical facet dislocation: a review of all techniques. Neurospine. 2023;20(1):181-204."},{"issue":"7","key":"bib5","series-title":"Spine (Phila Pa 1976)","first-page":"E188","article-title":"Variations in surgical treatment of cervical facet dislocations","volume":"33","author":"Nassr","year":"2008","unstructured":"Nassr ALee JYDvorak MFVariations in surgical treatment of cervical facet dislocations. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(7):E188-E193."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib6","series-title":"Glob Spine J","first-page":"110","article-title":"Traumatic cervical unilateral and bilateral facet dislocations treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has a low failure rate","volume":"7","author":"Anissipour","year":"2017","unstructured":"Anissipour AKAgel JBaron MMagnusson EBellabarba CBransford RJ.Traumatic cervical unilateral and bilateral facet dislocations treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has a low failure rate. Glob Spine J. 2017;7(2):110-115."},{"key":"bib7","series-title":"World Neurosurg","first-page":"e362","article-title":"A novel anterior-only surgical approach for reduction and fixation of cervical facet dislocation","volume":"128","author":"Liu","year":"2019","unstructured":"Liu KZhang Z.A novel anterior-only surgical approach for reduction and fixation of cervical facet dislocation. World Neurosurg. 2019;128:e362-e369."},{"issue":"9","key":"bib8","series-title":"Arq Neuro Psiquiatr","first-page":"745","article-title":"Surgical treatment of traumatic cervical facet dislocation: anterior, posterior or combined approaches?","volume":"74","author":"Lins","year":"2016","unstructured":"Lins CCPrado DTJoaquim AF.Surgical treatment of traumatic cervical facet dislocation: anterior, posterior or combined approaches? Arq Neuro Psiquiatr. 2016;74(9):745-749."},{"issue":"3","key":"bib9","series-title":"Chin Med J (Engl)","first-page":"216","article-title":"Treatment of cervical dislocation with locked facets","volume":"120","author":"Yu","year":"2007","unstructured":"Yu ZSYue JJWei FLiu ZJChen ZQDang GT.Treatment of cervical dislocation with locked facets. Chin Med J (Engl). 2007;120(3):216-218."},{"issue":"3_suppl","key":"bib10","series-title":"Glob Spine J","first-page":"174S","article-title":"An update of a clinical practice guideline for the management of patients with acute spinal cord injury: recommendations on the role and timing of decompressive surgery","volume":"14","author":"Fehlings","year":"2024","unstructured":"Fehlings MGTetreault LAHachem LAn update of a clinical practice guideline for the management of patients with acute spinal cord injury: recommendations on the role and timing of decompressive surgery. Glob Spine J. 2024;14(3_suppl):174S-186S."},{"issue":"24","key":"bib11","series-title":"Spine","first-page":"2815","article-title":"The radiographic failure of single segment anterior cervical plate fixation in traumatic cervical flexion distraction injuries","volume":"29","author":"Johnson","year":"2004","unstructured":"Johnson MGFisher CGBoyd MPitzen TOxland TRDvorak MF.The radiographic failure of single segment anterior cervical plate fixation in traumatic cervical flexion distraction injuries. Spine. 2004;29(24):2815-2820."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib12","series-title":"Eur Spine J","first-page":"2332","article-title":"Predictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries","volume":"33","author":"Singh","year":"2024","unstructured":"Singh AEl-Hajj VGFletcher-Sandersj\u00f6\u00f6 APredictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries. Eur Spine J. 2024;33(6):2332-2339."},{"issue":"4","key":"bib13","series-title":"Neurosurg Rev","first-page":"2659","article-title":"The surgical treatment of subaxial acute cervical spine facet dislocations in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"45","author":"Botelho","year":"2022","unstructured":"Botelho RVde Freitas Bertolini EBarcelos ACESThe surgical treatment of subaxial acute cervical spine facet dislocations in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosurg Rev. 2022;45(4):2659-2669."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib14","series-title":"Sci Rep","article-title":"Immediate anterior open reduction and plate fixation in the management of lower cervical dislocation with facet interlocking","volume":"9","author":"Li","year":"2019","unstructured":"Li YZhou PCui WImmediate anterior open reduction and plate fixation in the management of lower cervical dislocation with facet interlocking. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):1286."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib15","series-title":"J Clin Orthop Trauma","first-page":"125","article-title":"Management of post-traumatic neglected cervical facet dislocation","volume":"8","author":"Prabhat","year":"2017","unstructured":"Prabhat VBoruah TLal HKumar RDagar ASahu H.Management of post-traumatic neglected cervical facet dislocation. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2017;8(2):125-130."},{"issue":"203","key":"bib16","series-title":"Clin Orthop Relat Res","first-page":"244","article-title":"Indication, surgical technique, and results of 100 surgically-treated fractures and fracture-dislocations of the cervical spine","author":"Aebi","year":"1986","unstructured":"Aebi MMohler JZ\u00e4ch GAMorscher E.Indication, surgical technique, and results of 100 surgically-treated fractures and fracture-dislocations of the cervical spine. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1986;(203):244-257."},{"issue":"12","key":"bib17","series-title":"Unfallchirurg","first-page":"925","article-title":"Langzeitergebnisse von 57 Patienten nach ventraler interkorporeller Spondylodese der unteren Halswirbels\u00e4ule. Long-term outcome of 57 patients after ventral interbody spondylodesis of the lower cervical spine","volume":"99","author":"Blauth","year":"1996","unstructured":"Blauth MSchmidt UDienst MLangzeitergebnisse von 57 Patienten nach ventraler interkorporeller Spondylodese der unteren Halswirbels\u00e4ule. Long-term outcome of 57 patients after ventral interbody spondylodesis of the lower cervical spine. Unfallchirurg. 1996;99(12):925-939."},{"issue":"8","key":"bib18","series-title":"Spine (Phila Pa 1976)","first-page":"949","article-title":"Reduction technique for uni- and biarticular dislocations of the lower cervical spine","volume":"23","author":"Vital","year":"1998","unstructured":"Vital JMGille OS\u00e9n\u00e9gas JPointillart V.Reduction technique for uni- and biarticular dislocations of the lower cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1998;23(8):949-954."},{"issue":"3","key":"bib19","series-title":"J Spinal Disord Tech","first-page":"229","article-title":"Comparison of anterior and posterior approaches in cervical spinal cord injuries","volume":"16","author":"Brodke","year":"2003","unstructured":"Brodke DSAnderson PANewell DWGrady MSChapman JR.Comparison of anterior and posterior approaches in cervical spinal cord injuries. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2003;16(3):229-235."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib1","series-title":"J Belg Soc Radiol","article-title":"Radiological signs in traumatic cervical facet joint dislocations","volume":"105","author":"Leong","year":"2021","unstructured":"Leong NELim EHo CL.Radiological signs in traumatic cervical facet joint dislocations. J Belg Soc Radiol. 2021;105(1):8."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib2","series-title":"Int J Spine Surg","first-page":"256","article-title":"Awake cranial traction and isolated anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the treatment of traumatic subaxial cervical facet joint dislocations: analysis of a cohort of 70 patients and predictors of surgical failure","volume":"16","author":"Sousa","year":"2022","unstructured":"Sousa ARodrigues CMarques MAmorim-Barbosa TRodrigues-Pinto R.Awake cranial traction and isolated anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the treatment of traumatic subaxial cervical facet joint dislocations: analysis of a cohort of 70 patients and predictors of surgical failure. Int J Spine Surg. 2022;16(2):256-263."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib3","series-title":"Spine (Phila Pa 1976)","first-page":"648","article-title":"Anterior reduction for cervical spine dislocation","volume":"31","author":"Reindl","year":"2006","unstructured":"Reindl ROuellet JHarvey EJBerry GArlet V.Anterior reduction for cervical spine dislocation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006;31(6):648-652."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib4","series-title":"Neurospine","first-page":"181","article-title":"Reduction of lower cervical facet dislocation: a review of all techniques","volume":"20","author":"Liu","year":"2023","unstructured":"Liu KZhang Z.Reduction of lower cervical facet dislocation: a review of all techniques. Neurospine. 2023;20(1):181-204."},{"issue":"7","key":"bib5","series-title":"Spine (Phila Pa 1976)","first-page":"E188","article-title":"Variations in surgical treatment of cervical facet dislocations","volume":"33","author":"Nassr","year":"2008","unstructured":"Nassr ALee JYDvorak MFVariations in surgical treatment of cervical facet dislocations. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(7):E188-E193."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib6","series-title":"Glob Spine J","first-page":"110","article-title":"Traumatic cervical unilateral and bilateral facet dislocations treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has a low failure rate","volume":"7","author":"Anissipour","year":"2017","unstructured":"Anissipour AKAgel JBaron MMagnusson EBellabarba CBransford RJ.Traumatic cervical unilateral and bilateral facet dislocations treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has a low failure rate. Glob Spine J. 2017;7(2):110-115."},{"key":"bib7","series-title":"World Neurosurg","first-page":"e362","article-title":"A novel anterior-only surgical approach for reduction and fixation of cervical facet dislocation","volume":"128","author":"Liu","year":"2019","unstructured":"Liu KZhang Z.A novel anterior-only surgical approach for reduction and fixation of cervical facet dislocation. World Neurosurg. 2019;128:e362-e369."},{"issue":"9","key":"bib8","series-title":"Arq Neuro Psiquiatr","first-page":"745","article-title":"Surgical treatment of traumatic cervical facet dislocation: anterior, posterior or combined approaches?","volume":"74","author":"Lins","year":"2016","unstructured":"Lins CCPrado DTJoaquim AF.Surgical treatment of traumatic cervical facet dislocation: anterior, posterior or combined approaches? Arq Neuro Psiquiatr. 2016;74(9):745-749."},{"issue":"3","key":"bib9","series-title":"Chin Med J (Engl)","first-page":"216","article-title":"Treatment of cervical dislocation with locked facets","volume":"120","author":"Yu","year":"2007","unstructured":"Yu ZSYue JJWei FLiu ZJChen ZQDang GT.Treatment of cervical dislocation with locked facets. Chin Med J (Engl). 2007;120(3):216-218."},{"issue":"3_suppl","key":"bib10","series-title":"Glob Spine J","first-page":"174S","article-title":"An update of a clinical practice guideline for the management of patients with acute spinal cord injury: recommendations on the role and timing of decompressive surgery","volume":"14","author":"Fehlings","year":"2024","unstructured":"Fehlings MGTetreault LAHachem LAn update of a clinical practice guideline for the management of patients with acute spinal cord injury: recommendations on the role and timing of decompressive surgery. Glob Spine J. 2024;14(3_suppl):174S-186S."},{"issue":"24","key":"bib11","series-title":"Spine","first-page":"2815","article-title":"The radiographic failure of single segment anterior cervical plate fixation in traumatic cervical flexion distraction injuries","volume":"29","author":"Johnson","year":"2004","unstructured":"Johnson MGFisher CGBoyd MPitzen TOxland TRDvorak MF.The radiographic failure of single segment anterior cervical plate fixation in traumatic cervical flexion distraction injuries. Spine. 2004;29(24):2815-2820."},{"issue":"6","key":"bib12","series-title":"Eur Spine J","first-page":"2332","article-title":"Predictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries","volume":"33","author":"Singh","year":"2024","unstructured":"Singh AEl-Hajj VGFletcher-Sandersj\u00f6\u00f6 APredictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries. Eur Spine J. 2024;33(6):2332-2339."},{"issue":"4","key":"bib13","series-title":"Neurosurg Rev","first-page":"2659","article-title":"The surgical treatment of subaxial acute cervical spine facet dislocations in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"45","author":"Botelho","year":"2022","unstructured":"Botelho RVde Freitas Bertolini EBarcelos ACESThe surgical treatment of subaxial acute cervical spine facet dislocations in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosurg Rev. 2022;45(4):2659-2669."},{"issue":"1","key":"bib14","series-title":"Sci Rep","article-title":"Immediate anterior open reduction and plate fixation in the management of lower cervical dislocation with facet interlocking","volume":"9","author":"Li","year":"2019","unstructured":"Li YZhou PCui WImmediate anterior open reduction and plate fixation in the management of lower cervical dislocation with facet interlocking. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):1286."},{"issue":"2","key":"bib15","series-title":"J Clin Orthop Trauma","first-page":"125","article-title":"Management of post-traumatic neglected cervical facet dislocation","volume":"8","author":"Prabhat","year":"2017","unstructured":"Prabhat VBoruah TLal HKumar RDagar ASahu H.Management of post-traumatic neglected cervical facet dislocation. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2017;8(2):125-130."},{"issue":"203","key":"bib16","series-title":"Clin Orthop Relat Res","first-page":"244","article-title":"Indication, surgical technique, and results of 100 surgically-treated fractures and fracture-dislocations of the cervical spine","author":"Aebi","year":"1986","unstructured":"Aebi MMohler JZ\u00e4ch GAMorscher E.Indication, surgical technique, and results of 100 surgically-treated fractures and fracture-dislocations of the cervical spine. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1986;(203):244-257."},{"issue":"12","key":"bib17","series-title":"Unfallchirurg","first-page":"925","article-title":"Langzeitergebnisse von 57 Patienten nach ventraler interkorporeller Spondylodese der unteren Halswirbels\u00e4ule. Long-term outcome of 57 patients after ventral interbody spondylodesis of the lower cervical spine","volume":"99","author":"Blauth","year":"1996","unstructured":"Blauth MSchmidt UDienst MLangzeitergebnisse von 57 Patienten nach ventraler interkorporeller Spondylodese der unteren Halswirbels\u00e4ule. Long-term outcome of 57 patients after ventral interbody spondylodesis of the lower cervical spine. Unfallchirurg. 1996;99(12):925-939."},{"issue":"8","key":"bib18","series-title":"Spine (Phila Pa 1976)","first-page":"949","article-title":"Reduction technique for uni- and biarticular dislocations of the lower cervical spine","volume":"23","author":"Vital","year":"1998","unstructured":"Vital JMGille OS\u00e9n\u00e9gas JPointillart V.Reduction technique for uni- and biarticular dislocations of the lower cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1998;23(8):949-954."},{"issue":"3","key":"bib19","series-title":"J Spinal Disord Tech","first-page":"229","article-title":"Comparison of anterior and posterior approaches in cervical spinal cord injuries","volume":"16","author":"Brodke","year":"2003","unstructured":"Brodke DSAnderson PANewell DWGrady MSChapman JR.Comparison of anterior and posterior approaches in cervical spinal cord injuries. 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