Flexion Teardrop Fracture

A lateral radiograph of the cervical spine demonstrates a compression fracture of C7 with a triangle-like fracture anteriorly (white arrow), not to be confused with the more benign extension teardrop fracture. There is loss of stature of C7 and widening of the interspinous distance between C6 and C7 (yellow arrow) from disruption of the posterior ligaments. There is also a fracture of the spinous process of C6. These fractures are caused by severe flexion and compression and frequently produce neurologic impairment.