A Rare Case of C5-C6 Bilateral Facetal Dislocation with Central Cord Syndrome Managed by Staged Stabilization.

INTRODUCTION

Subaxial cervical spine injuries are common following high-energy trauma; however, bilateral facet dislocation at C5-C6 associated with central cord syndrome (CCS) is rare. Such injuries demand early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention to optimize neurological recovery.

CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old male presented with neck pain and quadriparesis following a fall from a height of 6 feet under the influence of alcohol. Neurological examination revealed upper limb weakness more severe than lower limbs, consistent with CCS.Imaging showed C5-C6 fracture dislocation with bilateral locked facets and spinal cord compression. Closed reduction using Gardner-Wells skull traction was followed by staged posterior lateral mass fixation and anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. The patient showed significant neurological improvement postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Early reduction and staged surgical stabilization in C5-C6 bilateral facet dislocation with CCS leads to favorable neurological outcomes, especially in elderly patients with pre-existing cervical degeneration.