Clinics in diagnostic imaging (192). Flexion teardrop fracture

An 82-year-old woman presented with neck pain and bilateral upper limb paraesthesia after sustaining an unwitnessed fall at home the day before. Physical examination revealed tenderness over the C4-6 region but no evidence of step deformity or neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed multiple small fractures at the anteroinferior endplate corners of the C3, C5 and C6 vertebrae with focal kyphosis and marrow oedema at these levels, as well as associated disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament and central spinal canal stenosis. The diagnosis of multiple flexion teardrop fractures was made based on these imaging findings, and the patient subsequently received conservative management. This paper illustrates the radiological features of flexion teardrop fractures and highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of such cases.

The Significance of Teardrop Changes in Developmental Dislocation of the Hip / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Prediction of acetabular development after reduction in treatment of developmental dysplasia of thc hip (DDH) is earlier, the hetter results because it would help ensure optimal timing of additional procedure if necessary. In this respect, authors reviewed retrospectively the radiographs of the hips of 35 children with DDH who had unilateral involvement and treated hy senior author (S.H.Lee) from the heginning with single successful attempt of reduction. The radiographs which were made at the time of initial diagnosis, one, two year nfter reduction und final follow up were assessed of teardrop figures. The results of treatment were classified as satisfactory group(CE > 10degrees ) and unsatisfactory group(CE < 10degrees) judged hy center-edge angle(CE degrees) at final follow-ups. 1. The teardrop figures were classifiable into 4 distinct groups as i)absent. ii)V-shaped, iii)Ushaped, iv) inverted D-shaped. 2. The teardrop figures in normal sides of hip were all U-shaped. 3. In dislocated but with satisfactory result group(24 cases), absent at 2 cases(8%), U-shaped teardrop was seen at 13 cases(54%), V-shaped in 9 cases(38%), and inverted 2-shaped in 0 case at I year after reduction. 4. In dislocated but with unsatisfactory result group( 11 cases), they were mostly of V-shaped(7 cases, 64%). The rest were of ahsent in 4 cases(36%) . hut none of U-shaped and inverted 2-shaped. In conclusions, teardrop figures appeared as significant predictor of future development of hip joint. Teardrop figure which stay as V-shaped at one year after reduction seems suggestive of insufficient reduction of DDH, therehy calls for early additional procedure.