Table 5 CT Features differentiating flexion and extension teardrop injuries
From: MDCT of acute subaxial cervical spine trauma: a mechanism-based approach
Flexion teardrop | Extension teardrop |
|---|---|
Large fragment | Small triangular |
Extends to both superior/inferior end plate | Involves only one end plate—anteroinferior or less commonly anterosuperior |
Wedging/compression of VB | VB height is preserved |
Retropulsion of fractured vertebral body | No retropulsion—Posterior vertebral line is intact |
Focal kyphosis with flexion deformity | Normal curvature |
Posterior column distraction present-interspinous widening and facet distraction | Posterior column compression injury or normal |