Spinal injuries can lead to serious neurological complications if not treated at the right time. In cervical spine trauma, early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are often important factors in improving recovery and restoring mobility.

This case highlights the importance of early spine surgery in a patient who suffered a cervical spine fracture-dislocation following a road traffic accident.

The patient was admitted with a severe cervical spine injury after an auto-rickshaw accident. Following the injury, she developed significant weakness and difficulty moving due to spinal cord compression.

Imaging showed a fracture-dislocation at the C5–C6 level of the cervical spine. In this condition, one vertebra shifts abnormally over another, creating instability and pressure on the spinal cord.

X-ray before surgery:

ACDF Surgery for Cervical Spine Stabilization

Dr. Md. Ziaul Hasan performed an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure to treat the injury.

During the surgery:

• The displaced cervical vertebrae were realigned
• Pressure on the spinal cord was relieved
• The injured spinal segment was stabilized using fixation and fusion techniques

The procedure was completed successfully, and post-operative imaging showed improved cervical alignment and stabilization.

Day 1 & Day 2 after ACDF Surgery: Early Post-Operative Recovery

The patient showed noticeable improvement shortly after surgery.

• On the first day after surgery, she was able to sit upright and take oral food.
• By the second post-operative day, she was able to walk independently without support.
• She was also able to climb stairs comfortably during recovery.

This case demonstrates how timely surgical decompression and stabilization can contribute to early functional recovery in selected spinal injury patients.

Why Early Surgery Matters in Spinal Cord Injury

In spinal cord injuries, prolonged compression can increase the risk of neurological damage and delayed recovery. Timely surgical treatment is important to:

• Relieve pressure on the spinal cord
• Restore spinal alignment
• Stabilize the cervical spine
• Reduce the risk of further neurological deterioration
• Improve the chances of functional recovery

Because of the patient’s neurological symptoms and unstable cervical injury, surgical treatment was advised without unnecessary delay.

Importance of Early Evaluation After Spine Injury

Any injury involving the neck or spine should be evaluated carefully, especially if symptoms such as weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or loss of balance develop after trauma.

Delaying treatment in spinal cord injuries may increase the risk of long-term neurological complications. Early consultation with a spine specialist or orthopedic surgeon can help determine the appropriate treatment plan.

About the Surgeon

Dr. Md. Ziaul Hasan

Orthopedic, Spine, Trauma Specialist & Surgeon

• MBBS, BCS (HEALTH), MS (Ortho), FACS (Ortho)
• Fellowship in Spine Surgery, ISIC, India
• Fellow, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Mumbai
• Fellow, Endoscopic Spine Surgery, South Korea
• Travelling Fellow, Korean Spine Society, South Korea

Spine, Orthopedic & Trauma Specialist and Surgeon
National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR)