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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Spondylolisthesis | Case report

Traumatic bilateral L4-5 facet fracture dislocation: a case presentation with mechanism of injury

Authors: Kevin Chi Him Fok, Jason Pui Yin Cheung

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Traumatic bilateral locked facet joints at L4–5 level are a rare entity. A careful review only revealed four case reports. This case presented with an unusual mechanism of injury.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 40-year-old male who suffered bilateral L4–5 traumatic facet fracture dislocation following a fall injury. The dislocation was associated with fractures of bilateral L4 inferior articular processes, left L4 pedicle, L4 spinous process and postero-inferior body of L4. He presented with cauda-equina syndrome and underwent emergency decompression, reduction and instrumented fusion.

Conclusion

The biomechanics of the lumbar spine may differ with each individual. L4–5 dislocation may be a variant to lumbosacral (L5-S1) dislocation, owing to hyperextension injury.
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Metadata
Title
Traumatic bilateral L4-5 facet fracture dislocation: a case presentation with mechanism of injury
Authors
Kevin Chi Him Fok
Jason Pui Yin Cheung
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2921-5

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