CT
Axial bone window
Coronal bone window
Sagittal bone window
How does this differ from a wedge fracture?
A wedge fracture only involves the anterior cortex (single column) whereas a burst fracture involves the entire vertebral body with disruption of both the anterior and posterior cortices (two column injury).
Is this fracture stable?
No. This fracture affects the anterior and middle columns and according the three column concept of spinal fractures is considered unstable.
Comminuted burst fracture T6. Anterior 1/3 of body is severely displaced anteroinferiorly and to the right, lying anterior and to the right of the upper body of T7. Moderately large posterior mediastinal/paravertebral haematoma.
Posterior body is retropulsed with narrowing of spinal canal by approximately 30%. No obvious intracanal haemorrhage.
Subtle undisplaced fractures of posterior aspects of 6th ribs bilaterally.