Bilateral locked facets in the thoracic spine.
Two cases of traumatic bilateral locked facets in the thoracic spine are reported. Both patients had only minor neurological signs. They both made a full neurological recovery after surgical reduction of the locked facets. Bilateral locked facets are very uncommon in the thoracic spine. The diagnosis should be considered in any patient with a fracture-dislocation of the thoracic spine. In these cases additional lateral tomographs are required. Early open reduction of bilateral locked facets and internal fixation are mandatory.
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*