[Recent injuries of the last 5 cervical vertebrae in the adult (with and without neurologic complications)].

Traumatic lesions of the lower cervical spine give rise to two main problems - injury to the bones or ligaments leading to possible instability, and the presence or absence of damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots. After discussing the pathological anatomy and describing the clinical signs of the lesions, the authors explain their treatment programme which is based on seventeen years of practical experience. All unstable lesions involving the lower five cervical vertebrae are treated surgically, especially if there is partial or total tetraplegia. Instability can be rectified by reduction of the lesion and fixation by means of plates screwed into the articular masses, and this procedure has the additional advantage of improving the recovery of the neurological lesion. The nursing of the tetraplegic patient is also facilitated.