Kinematics of the Cervical Spine After Unilateral Facet Fracture: An In Vitro Cadaver Study.

Study Design: Biomechanical study utilizing human cadaveric cervical spines.

Objective: To quantitatively assess the effects on intervertebral motion of isolated unilateral cervical facet fracture, and after disruption of the intervertebral disc at the same level.

Summary Of Background Data: Clinical evidence has indirectly suggested that cervical facet fractures involving 40% of the height of the lateral mass can cause instability of the involved segment.