CT of a cervical spine burst fracture

This CT of the cervical spine showing a sagittal reconstruction (A) and axial (B) image at the C7 level shows a comminuted fracture through the C7 vertebral body and pedicle. The vertebral body shows a loss of height and radially outward displacement. Note that one of the fracture fragments extends into the spinal canal (arrow). Vertical compression injuries, such as burst fractures, occur if the spine is subjected to axial loads. When the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disk is forced into the vertebral body, the body shatters outward, resulting in a burst fracture.