Presentation
Hyperextension injury at sports training. Neck pain. No limb symptoms.
Patient Data
Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Extension teardrop fracture (x-ray)
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C2 vertebral body fracture with a large anteroinferior corner teardrop fragment displaced anteriorly with minor associated prevertebral soft tissue swelling. Mild retrolisthesis of C2 on C3. The facet joints appear well aligned. No interspinous space widening.
Case Discussion
Extension teardrop fractures are not as severe as flexion teardrop fractures as the posterior elements often remain intact. Hence spinal cord injury is seen far less commonly. They are stable in flexion and unstable in extension as the anterior longitudinal ligament is often disrupted.