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Case Reports
. 2015 Mar;38(2):245-8.
doi: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000204. Epub 2014 Mar 28.

Chronic unilateral locked facet joint with spinal cord injury in a 26-month-old child: A case report

Ai-Min Wu, Xiang-Yang Wang, Peng Luo, Hua-Zi Xu, Yong-Long Chi
Case Reports

Chronic unilateral locked facet joint with spinal cord injury in a 26-month-old child: A case report

Ai-Min Wu et al. J Spinal Cord Med. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: This study presents the successful posterior surgical reduction and fusion on a 26-month-old child with chronic unilateral locked facet joint and spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: A 26-month-old child with chronic unilateral locked facet joint and SCI treated by posterior surgical reduction and fusion. Plaster external fixation was applied and rehabilitation exercise was trained post-operatively.

Results: Chronic unilateral locked facet joint was reduced successfully and bone fusion of C4/5 was achieved 3 months after surgery. The function of both lower limbs was improved 1 year after surgery, aided with physical rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Unilateral locked facet joint in pediatric population is rare. Few clinical experiences were found in the literature. Non-surgical treatment has advantages of not being invasive and is preferred for acute patients; however, it may not be suitable for chronic unilateral locked facet joint with SCI, in which surgical intervention is needed.

Keywords: Case report; Pediatric population; Unilateral locked facet joint.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
T2-weight MRI image showed unilateral locked facet joint of C4/5 and high signal of spinal cord from C6 to T2 region.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A/B) Pre-operative 2D-CT showed left lateral locked facet joint of C4/5.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patient was immobilized by plaster external fixation after operation.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Post-operative lateral radiograph showed that the screws were placed well.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Bone fusion was achieved of C4/5 at 3D-CT image of 3 months after operation.
Figure 6
Figure 6
No complication of screws loosening or breakage could be observed on the lateral radiograph of 1 year after surgery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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