OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 17 patients with cervical (C3-C7) traumatic injuries treated in a period of two years. Patients were evaluated based on clinical, radiological and functional parameters. METHODS: The indication of treatment for different patients was based on their clinical and neurological situation. All patients were treated with the same surgical technique. The minimal surgical follow-up was of six months. RESULTS: Ten patients didn't have neurological problems and seven patients had some kind of neurological lesion. In the radiological evaluation during the ambulatory follow-up, all patient presented signs of consolidated spine fusion. All the patients received a grade between excellent and fair according to Odom's criteria, 13 patients presented 20% of limitation with regard to the Neck Pain Disability Index. There was one complication: implant failure in an anterior fusion with 18 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The anterior approach as quickly as possible is a good option for the treatment of cervical fractures and dislocations. This approach is effective, presents low morbidity and is associated with a low number of complications.
Cervical vertebrae; Cervical vertebrae; Spinal fractures; Spinal fractures; Treatment outcome
