PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - John P. O'Callaghan AU - Christopher G. Ullrich AU - Hansen A. Yuan AU - Stephen A. Kieffer TI - CT of Facet Distraction in Flexion Injuries of the Thoracolumbar Spine: The “Naked” Facet DP - 1980 Jan 01 TA - American Journal of Neuroradiology PG - 97--102 VI - 1 IP - 1 4099 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/1/1/97.short 4100 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/1/1/97.full SO - Am. J. Neuroradiol.1980 Jan 01; 1 AB - Vertical distraction of the articular processes is an important sign of ligamentous disruption due to flexion injuries of the thoracolumbar spine. In addition to illustrating this finding in cross section (the “naked” facet), computed tomography in the transaxial plane allows assessment of the presence and position of fracture fragments that may encroach on the spinal canal. Image reconstruction in sagittal and coronal planes provides a clear demonstration of the degree of bony compression, facet distraction, and kyphosis associated with flexion injuries without additional patient manipulation or radiation exposure.