Techniques of subaxial posterior cervical spine fusions: an overview.

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Abstract

[Indexed for MEDLINE] 14. Cervical Dislocation. Petrone B(1), Dowling TJ(2). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan–. 2024 May 7. Author information: (1)Northwell Health/Plainview Hospital (2)Long Island Spine Specialists Trauma to the cervical spine encompasses a broad spectrum of injuries, ranging from muscular strain, capsular or ligament sprain or tear to facet subluxations or dislocations, with or without fractures. Cervical dislocations are severe and complex injuries to the fragile vertebrae and surrounding structures of the neck. Cervical dislocations have classically been associated with traumatic spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause spinal cord compression and significant neurological deficits. The severity of these injuries depends on various factors, including the force of the injury, the extent of damage to the stabilizing osseous and soft tissue structures of the cervical spine, patient age, syndromic issues, bone quality, and underlying comorbidities. Cervical dislocations involve the abnormal displacement or misalignment of the cervical spine, which consists of 7 vertebral bodies. The C1 (atlas) articulates with the occiput, while the C2 (axis) is considered the axial spine. Vertebrae C3 through C7 are considered the subaxial spine. In addition, the cervical spine has a resting lordotic curve from C3 to C7. These structures provide physiological motion and protect neural elements. The spine can be divided into 3 distinct columns, each contributing to cervical stability. The anterior column consists of the anterior longitudinal ligament and the anterior two-thirds of the vertebral body and disk. The middle column consists of the posterior longitudinal ligament, the posterior one-third of the vertebral body and disk, and the posterior vertebral body wall. The posterior column comprises the pedicles, lamina, spinous process, and the posterior ligamentous complex. The posterior ligamentous complex is considered a critical predictor of spinal stability and includes the ligamentum flavum, facet joint or capsule, interspinous ligament, and supraspinous ligament. In the event of trauma, the stability of the cervical spine and the required treatment will depend on the extent of injury to the osseous and soft tissue structures. Copyright © 2026, StatPearls Publishing LLC.