These injuries also result in bilateral foraminal exit enlargement in the axial plane. As a result of the extensive damage to the support columns, these injuries almost always require surgical stabilization. Bilateral interfacetal dislocation. Distraction of the facet joints can also occur in association with either subluxation or dislocation. Distraction represents abnormal separation at the joint space by soft tissue interposed between the bone facets.
Distraction can also result from excessive application of traction to the neck following trauma.
Bilateral interfacetal distraction. A coronally oriented fracture through the C-5 vertebral body is also present.