The lower cervical spine facet joints of a road traffic crash fatality were examined using diagnostic imaging and histological techniques. No injuries to the cervical spine facet joints could be identified with diagnostic imaging including conventional radiology, CT and MRI. Examination of stained histological sections visualised the morphology and integrity of the facet joints in detail. Occult injuries to and in close proximity to the cervical spine facet joints were identified only on histological examination.

This case study emphasises the need for development of more sensitive diagnostic methods in clinical settings where symptomatology may be present despite negative diagnostic imaging.