Abstract
Open reduction and internal fixation of the cervical spine is a commonly performed method of
treatment for acute cervical fracture dislocation. A sudden or gradual worsening of the
neurological status of a patient during reduction should alert the physician to the presence of
high grade compression of the spinal canal.
Loss of neurological function during or after manipulation or open reduction and internal
fixation should raise the suspicion of compression of the spinal cord from a lesion occupying the
canal, such as a herniated disc, buckling of the ligamentum flavum, an epidural hematoma or
bone fragments. Magnetic resonance imaging or myelogram are the most helpful diagnostic
means and should be used initially if suspected. Treatment is anterior decompression and
autogenous strut bone graft. Causes of our case include ruptured disc, vertebral end plate and
posterior longitudinal ligament.
We experienced a case of immediate quadriparesis after posterior decompression and
sublaminar wiring for cervical fracture dislocation which was resulted from ruptured disc,
vertebral end plate and posterior longitudinal ligament.