Surgical Treatment for Fused Vertebrae Deformity after Old Cervical Spine Fracture Subluxation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature - Abstract
Introduction: Fusion deformity of cervical vertebrae resulted from trauma is a rarely reported condition in the literatures. Fewer than 3 case reports have been made. This case represents the first reported case, to our knowledge, of fusion deformity of cervical vertebrae caused after old cervical spine fracture subluxation.
Presentation of case: We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with a history of falling down from the roof of the house and injuring the neck seven years ago, she had a severe pain of the neck, but there was no sensory and motor dysfunction of upper and lower extremities, she stayed home in the bed and rest for 3 months without surgery, but she often complaining about bilateral hands tingling and unsteady for recent one year.
Discussion: Literature review of previously reported cases of fusion deformity of cervical vertebrae resulted from trauma revealed only 2 cases. Anterior approach surgery can eliminate compression factors directly, and it can obtain the excellent effects of the clinical decompression nevertheless, prevention is the most important.
Conclusion: Delayed neurological deficit resulting from fused vertebrae deformity following irreducible old cervical spine fracture subluxation is an extremely rare complication. Instability of cervical spine is the essential and foremost pathogenic factors, and then, leads and aggravates the degeneration of the adjacent segments. We emphasize the importance that finding deformity and instability early and taking effective surgical treatment in a timely manner.