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Extension teardrop fracture

Case contributed by Sarah AlJahdali
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Trauma

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Male
ct

There is a small avulsion fracture involving the anteroinferior corner of the C6 vertebral body, at the attachment of the anterior longitudinal ligament, compatible with an extension teardrop fracture. There is associated mild widening of the C6/C7 disc anteriorly.

Case Discussion

An extension teardrop fracture is caused by the traction of the anterior longitudinal ligament, the fibers of which insert into the inferior portion of the anterior cortex of the vertebral body. 

C2 is the most common level for an extension teardrop. It is characterized by a small triangular-shaped fracture fragment from the anteroinferior corner of a vertebral body. The middle and posterior columns are intact and with a variable degree of prevertebral soft tissue swelling. 

Extension teardrop is not considered as severe as flexion teardrop fractures and it does not typically produce direct neurologic injury.

Case co-author: Rehana Jaffer, MD, FRCPC

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