The chance fracture: Anteroposterior radiographic signs

Chance fractures and their ligamentous equivalents may be readily diagnosed on lateral radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine, but often, the lateral view is of insufficient diagnostic quality in the emergency setting. It is imperative, therefore, to recognize the findings of Chance injuries on the anteroposterior view of the spine. This pictorial essay emphasizes the various manifestations of the Chance fracture on the anteroposterior radiograph, an understanding of which is facilitated by a review of the mechanism of this injury.