burst fracture

Definition

Burst fractures

- injury to anterior and middle columns +/- posterior column

Mechanism

Vertical compression

Epidemiology

10% cervical fractures

Most commonly C5/6

Pathology

Anterior & middle columns fail

- if severe, posterior ligament complex fails

Xray Assessment

A:  Alignment

B:  Bony

C:  Canal

D:  Disc

S:  Soft tissues

Goals of surgery

1.  Correct deformity

2.  Restore stability

3.  Decompress neural elements if required

MRI

Advantage

- defines level of conus

- may need anterior rather than posterior surgery if lesion above conus