Surgical management of traumatic C2–C3 subluxation with bilateral carotid artery dissection

TL;DR

This case report details the surgical treatment of a rare spinal injury combined with severe blood vessel damage after a motorcycle accident.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel case of traumatic C2–C3 subluxation with bilateral carotid artery dissection and its management through combined surgical and endovascular approaches.

Findings

Traumatic C2–C3 subluxation combined with bilateral carotid artery dissection is rare and complex.

Surgical stabilization and endovascular intervention improved outcomes in this patient.

Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for managing combined spinal and vascular trauma.

Abstract

This case report describes a traumatic C2–C3 subluxation caused by a motorcycle accident following cervical spinal surgery. Traumatic C2–C3 subluxation is an uncommon but serious injury frequently accompanied by considerable neurological deficits. The coexistence of vascular injuries, particularly bilateral carotid artery dissection, complicates the management of such cases. We report a 48-year-old male patient who experienced a C2–C3 subluxation concurrent with bilateral carotid artery dissection and left vertebral artery occlusion as a result of a high-velocity motorcycle accident. The patient underwent surgical stabilization through a posterior cervical approach, followed by endovascular intervention to address the vascular injuries. This case emphasizes the complexities inherent in managing simultaneous spinal and vascular trauma. It underscores the necessity of a customized, multidisciplinary approach to enhance patient outcomes in these challenging scenarios.

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