Nonoperative Treatment of the Acute Tear-drop Fracture of the Cervical Spine

Abstract

The tear-drop fracture is a severe injury to the cervical spine often associated with severe cord damage. Previous authors have reported high rates of instability after nonoperative treatment of this injury and have recommended early surgical fusion. During the period from January 1978 to December 1979, ten patients with acute tear-drop fractures were treated nonoperatively. Only one required surgical fusion because of latent instability. Contrary to previous reports, adequate stability of the cervical spine was achieved nonoperatively when the spinal canal had been adequately realigned by a closed method of treatment.