Traumatic complete lateral dislocation at the lumbosacral junction: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report. OBJECTIVE: To present a novel case of lumbosacral dislocation and its surgical management. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Complete lumbosacral dislocations are rare injuries that ensue as a result of high-energy trauma. Anatomic stabilization of these injuries can be challenging and often involves open fixation and arthrodesis. METHODS: We present the case of a 22-year-old male who was involved in a high-velocity motorcycle accident with neurological deficit in the lower extremities. Radiographic analysis demonstrated a complete lateral dislocation of L5 vertebral body over the sacrum. The patient was surgically managed with a combined anterior and posterior arthrodesis, posterior decompression, and instrumentation. RESULTS: Successful arthrodesis and spinal alignment was achieved. The patient regained partial neurological function in the lower extremities with an improved Visual Analogue Scale score of 1 and was able to ambulate semi-independently at latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A combined anterior and posterior arthrodesis with decompression and instrumentation is an effective method for the treatment of this type of lumbosacral dislocation.