Fig. 7
From: MDCT of acute subaxial cervical spine trauma: a mechanism-based approach
Schematic showing a hyperflexion compression injury. Flexion vector with centre of rotation (blue hollow circle) is just behind the anterior column, resulting in a compressive force applied to the anterosuperior aspect of the vertebral body, causing a primary progressive compressive failure of anterior column. With increasing magnitude of force, posterior column distraction and tensile failure result