Which spinal injuries are considered unstable or potentially unstable?

Teardrop fractures are classified as unstable or potentially unstable spinal injuries due to their characteristic involving a fragment of bone that is avulsed from the vertebral body. This type of fracture typically occurs in the context of severe flexion or hyperextension forces, often associated with ligamentous injury and instability in the spinal column. This instability arises because the injury compromises the integrity of the spinal structures essential for maintaining normal stability and alignment, resulting in a higher risk for neurological impairment and deformity.

In contrast, simple fractures, compression fractures, and fractures with no displacement typically maintain the structural integrity of the vertebrate column better. A simple fracture generally refers to a break where the bone remains in alignment, and compression fractures often result from axial loading without significant displacement, suggesting that the stability of the spinal column is preserved in these injuries. Fractures with no displacement indicate that the bone pieces remain in their proper anatomical position, further signaling that these injuries are more likely to be stable. Thus, the nature of the teardrop fracture makes it a critical focus for assessment and management in emergency medicine.