PMC3544670_01
Plain X-ray film images showing slight spondylolisthesis of C5 immediately after a traffic accident. (a) The extent of the spondylolisthesis increased over the following eight weeks. (b) Flexion position; (c) extension position.
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F1
We carried out an X-ray image examination of our patient's cervical spine and diagnosed a slight cervical spondylolisthesis (Figure 1a). We conducted further X-ray imaging, MRI and CT eight weeks after the injury (Figures 1a,b,c, 2 and 3). Plain X-ray film images obtained at this time showed increased instability at the C5 to C6 joint when compared with those taken immediately after the accident (Figure 1a,b,c).
Magnetic resonance imaging showing spinal canal stenosis and swelling of the spinal cord eight weeks after the traffic accident. (a) T1-weighted sagittal image; (b) T2-weighted sagittal image; (c) T2-weighted axial image.
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F2
We conducted further X-ray imaging, MRI and CT eight weeks after the injury (Figures 1a,b,c, 2 and 3). MRI revealed central spinal canal stenosis at the C5 to C6 joint and high signal intensity in the spinal cord on T2-weighted imaging (Figure 2). MRI revealed recovery of the central spinal canal stenosis at the C5 to C6 joint and showed normal intensity in the spinal cord on T2-weighted imaging (Figures 2 and 5).
Sagittal computed tomography performed eight weeks after the traffic accident showing dislocation of both facet joints at C5 to C6. (a) R: right side (arrow). (b) L: left side (arrow).
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F3
We conducted further X-ray imaging, MRI and CT eight weeks after the injury (Figures 1a,b,c, 2 and 3). A sagittal CT showed bilateral dislocation of facet joints (Figure 3).
Plain X-ray imaging and computed tomography scans obtained six months after surgery. We performed surgery to remove a part of both sides of the facet joints at the C5 to C6 joint, and posterior fusion with lateral mass screws on the left side. After posterior fusion, anterior fusion using a plate and screws was performed. (a) X-ray anterior-posterior view; (b) X-ray lateral view; (c) computed tomography scan of C5; (d) computed tomography scan of C6. R: right side. L: left side.
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F4
Plain X-ray film images obtained six months after surgery showed good stability (Figure 4).
Magnetic resonance imaging three months after surgery. Space in the spinal canal has increased, and swelling of the spinal cord has decreased three months after surgery. (a) T1-weighted image; (b) T2-weighted image.
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F5
MRI revealed recovery of the central spinal canal stenosis at the C5 to C6 joint and showed normal intensity in the spinal cord on T2-weighted imaging (Figures 2 and 5).