Definition: Arthrotomies are medical conditions in which a person's spine, or vertebrae, become dislocated. They can occur in different areas of the body, including the neck, pelvis, and spine. Causes include trauma, spinal nerve damage, infections, and certain medical conditions like herniated discs. Common symptoms may include numbness or tingling in the legs, pain during activities such as walking or lifting heavy objects, difficulty breathing, and neck pain that persists after others are released from a neck brace. Definition: Arthrotomy is the removal of a piece of cartilage from the joint of a vertebra to treat a condition called arthrotomies.