Flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine: a narrative review

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<jats:p>Teardrop fractures of the cervical spine are characterized by a triangular-shaped fragment located in the anteroinferior corner of the vertebral body.</jats:p>
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<jats:p>Flexion-type teardrop fractures are highly unstable injuries resulting from a flexion-compression mechanism.</jats:p>
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<jats:p>A notable feature of these injuries is retrolisthesis of the vertebral body, which is often associated with a high risk of neurological compromise.</jats:p>
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<jats:p>The anterior approach is the most commonly used surgical treatment for flexion-type teardrop fractures.</jats:p>
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<jats:p>In contrast, extension-type teardrop fractures primarily affect the axis vertebral body and are generally stable injuries that can be treated nonoperatively.</jats:p>
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