- Discussion:
- anterior longitudinal ligament inserts on anteroinferior portion of the C2 body;
- w/ extreme hyperextension, ligament may remain intact but may avulse from its insertion, pulling a corner of C2 body with it;
- vertical ht of the fracture fragment is > than its horizontal width;
- hyperextension dislocation may result in triangular frx fragment
- this fragment has horizontal width > than its vertical ht;
- extension teardrop injury of C2 is unstable in hyperextension, as anterior spinal ligament is no longer intact;
- teardrop avulsion fracture involves the anterior, inferior corner of vertebral body;
- neck collar for comfort and mild activity restriction for few weeks are probably appropriate
Injuries of the atlas and axis. A follow-up study of 85 axis and 10 atlas fractures.