title: Flexion-distraction injuries of the lumbar spine. Mechanisms of injury and classification.
abstract: This paper describes the fracture patterns in 20 patients with flexion-distraction injuries. A mechanism of injury is described that includes an explanation of the presence of wedge compression fractures and burst injuries. A classification is developed based on trauma to the anterior vertebral column, the posterior elements, and the resulting axially loaded spine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Gertzbein
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Court-Brown
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003654:Deceleration; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies