Flexion Teardrop Fracture of C5

The flexion tear drop fracture is one of the most severe injuries of  the cervical spine. It is caused by extreme flexion of the cervical spine and often presents with loss of anterior column sensation and quadriplegia. The involved vertebral body is often displaced posteriorly  relative to the teardrop fragment which remains attached to the anterior longitudinal ligament. The facets may be subluxed, resulting in compression of  the spinal cord.


Kim KS, Chen HH, Russell EJ, Rogers LF: Flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine: radiographic characteristics AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1989 Feb;152(2):319-26.