Surgical treatment for the neck injuries described offers the following advantages:
1. Decompression reduces the intolerable pain in the neck caused by irritation of the injured dura, synovial membranes, periosteum, and ligaments, as well as the radicular pain caused by irritation of the nerve roots emerging from the spine at the site of injury;
2. Accurate reduction of the displacement offers the best chance of recovery with the least residual disability;
3. Fusion prevents further displacement and therefore offers the best protection for the spinal cord and roots;
4. Stabilization allows early mobilization of the patient and perhaps earlier return to work.