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Flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine: a narrative review
Ignacio Cirillo1,2,3, Sebastián Blanco4, Sebastián Cabello5,6
1Hospital del Trabajador, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Teardrop fractures of the cervical spine are characterized by a triangular-shaped fragment located in the anteroinferior corner of the vertebral body. Flexion-type teardrop fractures are highly unstable injuries resulting from a flexion-compression mechanism. A notable feature of these injuries is retrolisthesis of the vertebral body, which is often associated with a high risk of neurological compromise. The anterior approach is the most commonly used surgical treatment for flexion-type teardrop fractures. In contrast, extension-type teardrop fractures primarily affect the axis vertebral body and are generally stable injuries that can be treated nonoperatively.
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