Chance fracture
Background
- A type of flexion-distraction injury
- Often seen in children wearing seat-belt inappropriately (over abdomen)
- High energy flexion causes anterior compression w/ transverse fracture through vertebral body
- Unstable fracture
Clinical Features
- Seat belt sign
- Chance fracture associated with 50% incidence of intra-abdominal injury
- Most often T11 - L2
Differential Diagnosis
- Anterior compression fracture
Diagnosis
- via CT scan
- Radiographs show significant distraction of middle and posterior ligamentous structures
Management
Disposition
See Also
External Links
References
- Tintinalli