wedge fracture

wedge fracture

A sharply angled post-traumatic spinal fracture, most common in the thoracic vertebrae in a background of osteoporosis, and often accompanied by anterior wedging. Cf Teardrop fracture.

wedge frac·ture

(wej frak'shŭr) Compression fracture of the anterior part of a vertebral body, resulting in a wedge shape that is narrower anteriorly.