Although the mechanism of injury is debated, most teardrop fractures are likely due to flexion with axial loading. The lateral cervical film reveals wedging of the vertebral body and an anterior-inferior fragment fractured from the vertebral body. The vertebrae involved is usually subluxed posteriorly. Most patients are rendered quadriplegic by the injury. Treatment consists of surgical fusion to stabilize the injury and prevent kyphosis, pain, and further neurologic deterioration.
Treatment begins with reduction using cervical traction.
Bilateral Locked Facets Subluxation with locking of both facets is due to hyperflexion. Ninety percent of patients with bilateral locked facets will have a neurologic injury. Lateral cervical spine film showing bilateral facet subluxation at C6-C7. The subluxation should be reduced using cervical traction and reduction should be accomplished as soon as possible, usually within the first 24h. During reduction it is important to avoid increased pain, neurologic deficit, and increased separation at the level above the injury.