Imaging of the Cervical Spine > Fractures > Bilat. Dislocation

Bilateral Facet Dislocation

Description: complete anterior dislocation of the vertebral body resulting from extreme hyperflexion injury. It is associated with a very high risk of cord damage.

Mechanism: extreme flexion of head and neck without axial compression.

Radiographic features: (best seen on lateral view)

1. Complete anterior dislocation of affected vertebral body by half or more of the vertebral body AP diameter.
2. Disruption of the posterior ligament complex and the anterior longitudinal ligament.
3. "Bow tie" or " bat wing" appearance of the locked facets.

Stability: unstable