Tear-drop fractures of the cervical spine

Abstract

Tear-drop fractures of the cervical spine are relatively rare injuries. Those involving the upper cervical spine commonly occur in older patients following minor trauma. However, they may occur following major trauma like car accidents, falling from heights and diving into shallow water. They are stable injuries and are treated conservatively with relatively good outcome. They are usually not associated with neurological deficits unless they are associated with injuries at other levels. The cause of neurological fallout is commonly due to associated injuries.

Tear-drop fractures of the lower cervical spine are usually caused by severe trauma including sports. About 83% - 87% of tear-drop fractures due to sports are accompanied by neurological fallout. Tear-drop fractures of the lower cervical spine are regarded as unstable. The management of tear-drop fractures of the lower cervical spine is very controversial. The controversies are: should all these fractures be managed surgically? If so, what is the best surgical approach? Unfortunately, available literature does not offer convincing answers. Current surgical techniques provide acceptable stability, at least according to biomechanical studies. It is still to be established whether these biomechanical findings are confirmed clinically.