The anterior inferior angle fracture of a lower cervical vertebra.

Thirty-eight cases of a "tear drop" fracture of the lower cervical spine treated in our department during the last 20 years are reported. They represent 8.3% of all cervical injuries.

The "tear drop" (or avulsed) fracture of the anterior inferior angle of the axis.

Fourteen cases of an anterior inferior angle fracture of the axis treated in the Orthopaedic Department of the University of Athens from January 1970 to December 1992 were analysed. The mean follow-up time was 8.5 years.