Poll Results
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Hyperflexion
Explanation
This is a Chance fracture. First described in 1948 by British radiologist George Quintin Chance, the eponymous fracture is a horizontal spinal fracture through the vertebral body and posterior elements (spinous process, laminae, and pedicles) of the thoraco-lumbar region.1
They are most commonly associated with a hyperflexion mechanism from motor vehicle accidents where the occupant is restrained by a lap belt.2
Though the fracture is quite uncommon, up to 33% of individuals with Chance fractures also have serious intra-abdominal injuries, predominantly hollow viscous injuries. When a patient with a Chance fracture also has an abdominal wall contusion, the risk of intra-abdominal injury rises to 85%.3
Master Clinician Bedside Pearls
Robert L. Rogers, MD, FACEP
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Director, The Teaching Course
Department of Emergency Medicine
University of Maryland
Twitter: @EM_Educator
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