Reduction of traumatic unilateral locked facet of the subaxial cervical spine: what predicts successful closed skeletal traction, and is anterior or posterior surgery superior after unsuccessful closed reduction?

A contralateral perched facet predicted successful CST, whereas any neurological deficit (AIS grade A-D) predicted failed CST. GA increased the odds of successful closed reduction but did not salvage failed awake CST attempts. In patients in whom CST failed and open surgical reduction was required, posterior surgery was significantly more successful than anterior surgery for reestablishing anatomical alignment.