Controversies in the treatment of cervical spine dislocations.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Cervical spine dislocations represent an area of great controversy among spine surgeons. PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to present the specific areas of controversy and to provide a review of the literature. STUDY DESIGN A case of cervical spine dislocation is presented to illustrate the major controversies related to the treatment of cervical spine dislocations. METHODS A review of the literature is presented regarding the major controversial aspects of the treatment of cervical spine dislocations. RESULTS The major areas of controversy include the choice of imaging, closed versus open reduction and surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS Guidelines for the management of cervical spine dislocations are presented based on evidence-based medicine.