National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

What mechanism of injury is responsible for a teardrop fracture in the cervical spine?

1. Hyperextension

2. Hyperflexion

3. Axial loading

4. Rotational forces

The correct answer is: Hyperflexion

A teardrop fracture in the cervical spine is commonly associated with hyperextension injuries. This type of fracture typically occurs during events such as high-impact trauma where the neck is suddenly forced backward, leading to a fracture of the anteroinferior portion of a cervical vertebra. In cases of hyperextension, the flexion and extension dynamics of the cervical spine create a mechanism that encourages shearing forces across the vertebrae, which can result in the characteristic teardrop shape of the fracture fragment. This fracture is often seen in situations like diving accidents or high-speed motor vehicle collisions. Understanding the context of this injury highlights the importance of hyperextension as the mechanism. Other options may involve different mechanisms of injury but do not typically lead to the distinct nature of a teardrop fracture.