Clinics in diagnostic imaging (192). Flexion teardrop fracture.
- Author:
Nicola Yan Ying LEE
1
;
Bak Siew Steven WONG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords: cervical spine injury; flexion teardrop fracture; magnetic resonance imaging; vertebral fracture
- MeSH: Accidental Falls; Aged, 80 and over; Cervical Vertebrae; diagnostic imaging; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal; methods; Fractures, Bone; diagnostic imaging; Humans; Neck Pain; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular; Spinal Fractures; diagnostic imaging; Treatment Outcome
- From:Singapore medical journal 2018;59(11):562-566
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
- Abstract: An 82-year-old woman presented with neck pain and bilateral upper limb paraesthesia after sustaining an unwitnessed fall at home the day before. Physical examination revealed tenderness over the C4-6 region but no evidence of step deformity or neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed multiple small fractures at the anteroinferior endplate corners of the C3, C5 and C6 vertebrae with focal kyphosis and marrow oedema at these levels, as well as associated disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament and central spinal canal stenosis. The diagnosis of multiple flexion teardrop fractures was made based on these imaging findings, and the patient subsequently received conservative management. This paper illustrates the radiological features of flexion teardrop fractures and highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of such cases.
