Translation-rotation spine injury are usually severe which usually involves the posterior ligamentous complex (PCL), they are characterized by horizontal displacement of one vertebra with respect to another.

They are characterized by

• unilateral or bilateral perched or dislocated facet joints
• vertebral body translation or rotation.
• splaying of the spinous processes with widening of the interspinous space, avulsion fracture of the superior or inferior aspects of contiguous spinous processes

Common findings include transverse process fractures and rib fractures.