Extension avulsion fracture of the upper thoracic spine with associated oesophageal injury.

This case report describes a case of a high-speed injury in a patient with preexisting spinal segmentation abnormality, leading to anterior corner avulsion fracture of T1 and oesophageal perforation. As well as being indicative of anterior ligamentous injury, bony fragments associated with hyperextension injuries may injure adjacent viscera or vessels, and clinicians should consider the possibility of clinically occult visceral or vascular damage if such a fracture is demonstrated. Conservative management of both injuries was successful in this case.