Chapter 3
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780199393947.003.0003
A burst fracture typically occurs after axial loading injury, resulting in a compression fracture of most commonly a lower thoracic or upper lumbar vertebra with retropulsion of a posterosuperior fracture fragment into the spinal canal. There is disruption of the anterior and middle spinal column. Burst fractures can be stable or unstable. On radiographs there may be a subtle increase in the interpedicular distance and overall width of the fractured vertebra on the AP view. Unstable burst fractures have an increased incidence of developing posttraumatic kyphosis and progression of neurological symptoms.
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