Complete traumatic dislocation of the cervical spine at C2–C3

Traumatic dislocation of the cervical spine is a relatively rare injury, but the ramifications of a missed injury are severe and life-long. The imaging findings related to traumatic dislocation are commonly mentioned in the literature although actual images of this pathophysiology are rare. In this particular case, three-dimensional computed tomography demonstrates the large amount of cervical spine distraction and associated damage. Epidemiology and management of acute cervical spine injuries in regard to this injury are discussed.