II. Pathophysiology
- High velocity Traumatic Injury (e.g. MVA with Lap belt only)
- Causes flexion and distraction of the thoracolumbar spine
- Unstable, transverse Fracture through the anterior, middle and posterior Vertebral body
III. Associated Conditions
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Aortic Disruption
- Liver Laceration
- Splenic Rupture
- Mesentary or Small Bowel injury (if Seat Belt Sign present)
IV. Signs
- Point tenderness over thoracolumbar Vertebrae (L1 region)
- Seat Belt Sign
V. Management
- Spine Surgery is typically required
VI. Resources
- Chance Fracture (Radiopedia)
VII. References
- Herbert, Orman and Hollander in Herbert (2018) EM:Rap 18(4): 13