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Cervical Spine#
Jefferson fracture (C1): Burst fracture from axial loading. 4-part burst on X-ray.
Hangman fracture (C2): Bilateral pars fractures. From hyperextension.
Odontoid fracture (C2): Type I (tip), Type II (base — most common, unstable), Type III (extends into body).
Clay-shoveler: Spinous process fracture of C7/T1/T2.
Thoracic/Lumbar#
Denis 3-column:
- Anterior: Anterior 2/3 vertebral body + anterior longitudinal ligament
- Middle: Posterior 1/3 vertebral body + posterior longitudinal ligament
- Posterior: Pedicles, laminae, spinous processes + ligamentum flavum
Compression: Anterior column only. Burst: Anterior + Middle. Flexion-distraction: All three.
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Revision history
- 20 September 2026 — Initial publication
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