BACKGROUND: Anterior lumbosacral dislocation is a rare traumatic anterior spondylolisthesis. METHODS: We report a new case surgically treated and review the eight cases previously reported. RESULTS: The mechanism of injury is hyperflexion-distraction. Neurological signs are inconsistent. Indirect radiological signs such as bilateral multiple transverse process fractures are strongly suggestive of the diagnosis. This complete soft tissue injury induces a definitive instability and requires an open reduction with posterior fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Suspicion of lumbosacral dislocation requires a computed tomography scan exploration with multiplanar reconstructions. Early reduction is associated with neurologic recovery. However, prognosis is correlated with the initial neurologic status and the severity of other associated injuries.
BACKGROUND:Anterior lumbosacral dislocation is a rare traumatic anterior spondylolisthesis. METHODS: We report a new case surgically treated and review the eight cases previously reported. RESULTS: The mechanism of injury is hyperflexion-distraction. Neurological signs are inconsistent. Indirect radiological signs such as bilateral multiple transverse process fractures are strongly suggestive of the diagnosis. This complete soft tissue injury induces a definitive instability and requires an open reduction with posterior fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Suspicion of lumbosacral dislocation requires a computed tomography scan exploration with multiplanar reconstructions. Early reduction is associated with neurologic recovery. However, prognosis is correlated with the initial neurologic status and the severity of other associated injuries.