Flexion Teardrop Fracture of the Cervical Spine: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis — Comprehensive Medical Guide
Introduction Flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine is one of the most severe and unstable cervical spine injuries encountered in trauma medicine and neurosurgery. Recognizing this injury and applying timely treatment is essential for preventing catastrophic neurological deficits. This comprehensive guide covers the causes, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, imaging diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment strategies, and long-term prognosis of flexion teardrop fractures. Pathophysiology of Flexion Teardrop Fracture A cervical flexion teardrop fracture occurs due to extreme hyperflexion combined with axial compression . This force produces shearing and compressive stresses that damage both bony and ligamentous structures: Avulsion of the anteroinferior vertebral body corner fragment (the “teardrop”). Rupture of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) . Disruption of the posterior ligamentous complex (supraspinous, interspinous...