Fracture, dislocation or subluxation of spine due to birth injury

Definition

A true fracture of the spine is very rare due to birth injury. A fracture is usually in the cervical area and follows a difficult footling breech vaginal delivery. Dislocation refers to the displacement of one of the cervical vertebra relative to another in the cervical spine. The trauma allows one vertebra to shift position over the vertebra below. If this dislocation is partial the term “subluxation” is used. The injury to the spine may be unilateral or bilateral. Dislocations may be stable or unstable referring to the degree of mobility and the extent of additional damage to the supporting ligaments.

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