TEARDROP FLEXION INJURY.

Question 1

What is a teardrop flexion injury ?

Answer 1

A fracture type happening with severe axial flexion.

Question 2

Is it stable or unstable ?

Answer 2

Unstable they indicate extensive ligamentous injury and spinal instability. Associated spinal chord injury is common.

Question 3

What are the XRAY appearance of a teardrop flexion injury ?

Answer 3

There is usually an avulsed tear drop fragment at the anterior Inferior aspect. Increase in intra spinous process distance.

Anterior aspect of the vertebral body will show compression.
The fracture line will extend to the inferior end plate of the vertebral body.

posterior displacement of the vertebral bodies (damage to posterior (ligaments) with retropulsion and widening of the spinous processes.

Question 4

What ligaments get injured in teardrop flexion injury’s ?

Answer 4

interspinous process ligament and the ligamentum flavum.

Question 5

Where are flexion teardrop fractures usually seen ?

Answer 5

Mid to lower c spine
C4-6)