TEARDROP EXTENSION INJURY

Question 1

What do teardrop extension fractures result from ?

Answer 1

Forced extension of the neck.

Question 2

What do teardrop extension injuries look like radiographically ?

Answer 2

Avulsion of the anterior inferior corner of the vertebral body at the insertion of the anterior longitudinal ligament. Usually occurs at C2.

Question 3

What is more of an unstable injury a teardrop flexion injury of a teardrop extension injury ?

Answer 3

A teardrop flexion injury.

Question 4

Name 4 differences between a Flexion teardrop injury and an extension teardrop injury ?

Answer 4

1 fragment - Flexion larger fragment.
2 Flexion has wedging and compression of VB as opposed to extension tear drop injury.
3Flexion teardrop fractures has retropulsion of fractured vertebral body.
4 Extension injury has a normal curvature whereas flexion has a flexion deformity.

Question 5

What are the radiographic appearances of a extension teardrop injury ?

Answer 5

There is a small thin and triangular fracture fragment.
Widening of the anterior disc space.

Isolated to one level.

Disruption to the anterior spinal line.