Observation of "tear-drop" fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine by computerized tomography.

Five cases of "tear-drop" fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine was examined radiologically. Examination by CT scan showed a transverse fracture line in the compressed vertebral body in all cases. In three of five cases, a mid-sagittal fracture line was accompanied by this transverse fracture. Comparing these two types of fracture with neurological complications, severe complications were found among the cases having both fracture lines. On the other hand, the conventional radiographs could not show the relationship between the degree of narrowing of the spinal canal and the severity of complication.