Features and treatments of teardrop fracture of the axis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the features and treatments of teardrop fracture of the axis.Methods Of the 17 consecutive patients with teardrop fracture of the axis who had been managed between January 2008 and January 2016 at our trauma center,13 were included in this study according to our research criteria.On their lateral X-ray films of the skull base,the height,width,lateral displacement and rotation of the fracture fragments were measured.Continuity of the anterior longitudinal ligament and instability of C2-3 and posterior ligamentous complex were evaluated on their cervical MRI images.Seven patients were immobilized for 3 months with the Philadelphia collar or Halo-vest device and 6 ones underwent anterior C2-3 cervical surgery.Results For patients receiving conservative and operative treatments,at the sagittal view,the height,width,lateral displacement,anterior rotation and posterior displacement of the fracture fragments averaged 12.0 mm versus 14.8 mm,6.85 mm versus 8.33 mm,7.07 mm versus 8.50 mm,20.0° versus 30.1°,and 1.71 mm versus 3.0 mm,respectively.One patient suffered C2 disc injury and 6 ones C3 disc injury.All the patients were followed up for an average of 26.4 months (from 12 to 36 months).Complications included uncomfortable swallowing in 3 cases and mild residual neck pain in one.There was no delayed union,nonunion,or vertebral instability.At last follow-ups,the mean visual analogue score for pain was 1.7 and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were 17 in 11 patients and 16 in 2 patients.Conclusions Most teardrop fractures can be treated conservatively because their small fracture fragments and minor displacements can be reduced after traction.However,those with large fragments and C2-3 vertebral injury and instability should be treated by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.