Pillar fracture

a type of facet fracture resulting from extension rotation injury to the lower cervical spine. This fracture involves a unilateral pillar (articular mass) and is the consequence of a combination of extension, compression and rotation. Fractures of the superior facet are associated with persistent radiculopathy more frequently than are fractures of the inferior facet.

Pillar fractures are often difficult to visualize on frontal and lateral projections unless they are displaced or severely comminuted. The pillar fracture that results from extension of the cervical spine usually appears as a simple vertical or oblique radiolucent line, although such fractures may be more severe, accompanied by crushing or comminution of the bone and loss of pillar height.