European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Traumatic C2-3 dislocation has been often described in the antero-posterior plane but is extremely rare in the lateral plane. Such dislocations have been described in thoraco-lumbar and C1-2. The need to study the imaging in multiple planes has been highlighted to plan proper realignment. ⋯ The saddle shape of the sub-axial cervical spine prevents such lateral dislocations. It is imperative to study the radiology in multiple planes to assess the 'multiplanar dislocation'. Correction is possible with proper planning and manipulation of facets and bodies using the available instrumentation. Though not obtained in this case, a preoperative MRI and a CT angiogram are important in surgery planning.