Fracture and Dislocation of the Cervical Spine - Report of 4 Cases -

The sequelae of unstable fracture of the cervical spine were tragic. The first objective of treatment is protection of the spinalcord during reduction and stabulization. Since 1933, skeletal traction which was introduced by Crutchfield and modified by Vinke, Barton and others, has been used for reduction of fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine. 4 cases of fracture and dislocation of the cervical spine were treated at this department. 2 cases of them, one was quadriplegic and the other revealed nerve root irritation sign, were performed posterior spine fusion and recovered. The third who had fracture-dislocation between C5 and C6 with ankylosing spondylitis was died in the early course. The 4th who hadfracture-dislocation between C5 and C6 with transsection of the spinal cord was also died at home 7 weeks after trauma.