Occur from axial loading and can be minor to severe with comminution and retropulsion of fragments posteriorly. 

Usually you will see anterior loss of height of the involved vertebral body.  

Sometimes can see a separate fragment, on the anterior/superior aspect of the body.  

Disk and posterior ligaments are usually intact.  

No vertical fracture through body.

This section written by:

LCDR Ron Boucher, MC, USN
LT Hugh McSwain, MC, USN

With some assistance from:

CDR Michael Puckett, MC, USN
ENS Robert Post, MC, USNR

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