teardrop

Teardrop fractures

Extension distraction

 

Epidemiology

- 20%

- common with ankylosing spondylitis / DISH

 

Stages

 

1. Anterior ligament failure

– disc space widening (or transverse fracture of vertebral body)

 

2. Posterior ligament failure with retrolisthesis of superior vertebral body

 

Articular process fracture

 

Superior process fracture