Introduction

Cervical lateral mass fracture separations of the lateral mass facet are uncommon cervical spine injuries characterized by a high degree of instability and neurological deficits. Diagnosis is made with CT scan of the cervical spine. Treatment is usually posterior decompression and two-level instrumented fusion. The mechanism of injury typically involves a traffic accident, falling, or a heavy object landing on the head. Symptoms may include neurological symptoms in up to 66% of cases.