MRI
Flexion teardrop fracture of C5 comprises a triangular bone fragment at the anteroinferior corner of the vertebral body, tear of the anterior longitudinal ligament, retropulsion of the posterior vertebral body, focal kyphotic deformity, and narrowing of the spinal canal. Significant spinal cord compression, cord swelling, and cord edema, spanning from C2 to C7 are noted. There are foci of T1 hyperintensities, showing blooming artifacts on gradient echo sequence consistent with cord hemorrhage.