Traumatic bilateral lumbosacral facet dislocation without fracture: illustrative case

BACKGROUND: Traumatic bilateral lumbosacral facet dislocations without fractures are extremely rare. Only 7 cases have been documented since the first description by Watson-Jones in 1974. Although various treatment strategies have been reported, no consensus has been reached regarding the best surgical approach. OBSERVATIONS: A 35-year-old female presented for medical attention following a high-speed motor vehicle collision. She sustained multiple injuries, including an abdominal aortic injury requiring emergent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. She was found to have bilateral lumbosacral dislocation without fracture (L5–S1) and was noted to be neurologically intact. Once medically stabilized, the patient was taken to the operating room for minimally invasive reduction and stabilization of her lumbosacral spine. Postoperatively, the patient was neurologically intact and remained stable with no deficits and appropriate lumbosacral alignment throughout her 2-year follow-up. LESSONS: The authors report a minimally invasive approach to the management of bilateral lumbosacral facet dislocation without fracture. Although conventional open approaches have been described previously, consideration should be given to minimally invasive strategies in select patients to facilitate their rehabilitative postoperative course.