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Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics

Extension Teardrop Fracture of C2





- Discussion:
    - anterior longitudinal ligament inserts on anteroinferior
        portion of the C2 body;
    - w/ extreme hyperextension, ligament may remain intact but may avulse
        from its insertion, pulling a corner of C2 body with it;
    - vertical ht of the fracture fragment is > than its horizontal width;
    - hyperextension dislocation may result in triangular frx fragment
        - this fragment has horizontal width > than its vertical ht;
    - extension teardrop injury of C2 is unstable in hyperextension,
        as anterior spinal ligament is no longer intact;
    - teardrop avulsion fracture involves the anterior, inferior corner of
        vertebral body;
    - neck collar for comfort and mild activity restriction for few weeks
        are probably appropriate;
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Injuries of the atlas and axis. A follow-up study of 85 axis and 10 atlas fractures.




Original Text by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD.