title: Chronic unilateral locked facet joint with spinal cord injury in a 26-month-old child: A case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study presents the successful posterior surgical reduction and fusion on a 26-month-old child with chronic unilateral locked facet joint and spinal cord injury (SCI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A 26-month-old child with chronic unilateral locked facet joint and SCI treated by posterior surgical reduction and fusion. Plaster external fixation was applied and rehabilitation exercise was trained post-operatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Chronic unilateral locked facet joint was reduced successfully and bone fusion of C4/5 was achieved 3 months after surgery. The function of both lower limbs was improved 1 year after surgery, aided with physical rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Unilateral locked facet joint in pediatric population is rare. Few clinical experiences were found in the literature. Non-surgical treatment has advantages of not being invasive and is preferred for acute patients; however, it may not be suitable for chronic unilateral locked facet joint with SCI, in which surgical intervention is needed.
authors.forename: Ai-Min
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Xiang-Yang
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Hua-Zi
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Yong-Long
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chi
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000601:surgery*; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion
keywords: Case report; Pediatric population; Unilateral locked facet joint