• F R J Groen, D Delawi, M C Kruyt, and F C Oner.
• University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Huispostnummer G 05.228, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands. floris_groen@hotmail.com.
• Eur Spine J. 2016 May 1; 25 Suppl 1: 183-7.

PurposeThis study aimed at discussing the relevance of the type B3 fracture of the new AOSpine classification.MethodsHyperextension fractures of the spine are rare in the general population, but common in the ankylotic spine. We present a case of a severe spinal fracture with concomitant esophageal rupture, which was diagnosed early and could be treated during the initial trauma care.ResultsThe spinal column was stabilized using a percutaneous technique after which the perforated esophagus was sutured through a thoracotomy. The spinal injury was classified a type B3 fracture using the new AOSpine classification.ConclusionThe B3 typification raised a lot of discussion during the development of the new classification system and may be controversial. This case, however, nicely illustrates the relevance of an intact posterior hinge as compared to C-type injuries where complete dissociation is present with inherent spinal cord damage.

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