Systematic Analysis of Surgical Management in Traumatic Cervical Spondyloptosis

Background: Traumatic spondyloptosis has been described as the most severe form of vertebral dislocation. It is characterised by the complete subluxation of a vertebral body by more than 100% relative to the adjacent vertebra. In general, traumatic spondyloptosis can occur in all sections of the spine. It is an extremely unstable injury that requires immediate surgical stabilisation. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic analysis and evaluation of diagnostic procedures, therapeutic concepts, and surgical strategies for this serious injury. Methods: Due to the limited number of studies, the systematic literature analysis mainly includes case reports. The updated 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guideline were used for methodological structuring and evaluation. Results: A total of 106 publications were identified, of which 43 met the defined inclusion criteria. The focus was on case reports on the surgical treatment of traumatic spondyloptosis in humans. A total of 12 articles related to the cervical section of the spine and formed the basis for further analysis. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of traumatic cervical spondyloptosis is essential to ensure stable reconstruction and neurological care. Early diagnosis, preoperative neurological status, and an individualised surgical approach are crucial for the functional outcome.