Abstract

BACKGROUND: Total spondylolisthesis, or dislocation of 1 cervical vertebrae, is only caused by high-energy trauma and is usually fatal. Cervical spine fractures and dislocations often cause 3-column structural damage to the cervical spine, injury to the spinal cord, and precipitating alignment of the cervical vertebrae, as well as cervical instability, which are detrimental, show poor prognosis, and are associated with high rates of mortality rate and disability.

CASE REPORT: We report an extremely rare case of isolated C5 dislocation caused by falling out of a tree, with sudden tetraplegia.

CONCLUSIONS: Total spondylolisthesis or dislocation of 1 cervical vertebrae can be surgically treated with anterior approach because it is possible to completely remove the vertebra body, intervertebral disc, and bone fragments, to directly decompress the spinal cord with stabilization.

Keywords: Cervical Vertebrae, Dislocations, Spinal Cord Injuries