C-spine - Facet dislocation - Lateral

Hover on/off image to show/hide findings

Tap on/off image to show/hide findings

C-spine - Facet dislocation - Lateral

  • Flexion/distraction injury to the c-spine can result in dislocation of the facet joints
  • The inferior surface of the C5 facet joints (red dotted line) should cover the superior surface of the C6 facet joint (orange dotted line)
  • These dotted lines should therefore be parallel and closely applied to one another
  • The facets of C5 appear 'perched' on those of C6 and are 'locked' in this dislocated position

C-spine - Fracture-dislocation - Lateral

Hover on/off image to show/hide findings

Tap on/off image to show/hide findings

C-spine - Fracture-dislocation - Lateral

  • This injury is similar to the one above, but there is also a fracture of the C6 spinous process

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: November 2018