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What is a common mechanism of injury associated with a chance fracture?

  1. Overstretching muscles

  2. Seat-belt injury

  3. Direct trauma to the area

  4. Compression injury

The correct answer is: Seat-belt injury

A Chance fracture is primarily associated with flexion-distraction injuries, commonly observed in situations where the spine is subjected to significant bending forces. The classic mechanism of a Chance fracture occurs often in motor vehicle accidents, particularly when a person is wearing a seatbelt. In these scenarios, during an abrupt stop or collision, the lap portion of the seatbelt can apply sudden force to the pelvis while the upper body is propelled forward, leading to a fracture through the vertebrae in the lumbar region. This type of injury manifests typically at the thoracolumbar junction, reflecting the biomechanics involved in the injury mechanism—where the spine flexes while being distracted by the restraint of the seatbelt. Understanding the link between the mechanism of injury and the resulting fracture type is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.