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Anterior cervical plating for an axis teardrop fracture: a case report

  • Case Report
  • Published:
European Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Abstract

Introduction

Teardrop fractures of the axis are infrequently seen within our spinal unit. And are attributed to a hyperextension type mechanism of injury often associated with trauma. With this injury there may also be posterior displacement of the vertebral body, with anterior longitudinal ligament displacement and anterior rotation of the anterior inferior vertebral body fragment. Many authors have questioned the stability of this injury and thus, the choice of management.

Case report

We present a case of a traumatic C2 extension teardrop fracture treated successfully with anterior plating.

Discussion

We believe that anterior plate fixation has an important role in the treatment of this injury, and is beneficial if carried out by an appropriately skilled surgeon.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Correspondence to Baljinder Singh Dhinsa.

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Dhinsa, B.S., Agarwal, A., Prasad, V.R. et al. Anterior cervical plating for an axis teardrop fracture: a case report. Eur Orthop Traumatol 2, 63–66 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12570-011-0049-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12570-011-0049-7

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