Unstable subaxial cervical spine injury with normal computed tomography and magnetic resonance initial imaging studies: a report of four cases and review of the literature.

Study Design: Case series.

Objective: To describe 4 cases of unstable subaxial cervical spine injury not demonstrated with initial radiograph, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Summary Of Background Data: When evaluating the cervical spine for ligamentous or osseous injuries in the blunt trauma patient population, negative predictive value measurements of 100% for CT and MR imaging have been published.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with structural allograft and plates for the treatment of unstable posterior cervical spine injuries.

Object: The purpose of this study was to evaluate complications and radiographic and functional outcomes of isolated anterior stabilization surgery in which structural allograft and plates were used for posterior unstable subaxial cervical spine lateral mass, facet, and ligamentous injuries.

Methods: Between August 2003 and January 2008, 19 consecutive patients with unstable lateral mass, facet, and/or posterior ligamentous injuries of the subaxial cervical spine were treated by a single surgeon via an anterior approach. This was performed using structural allograft and plate fixation.