| Mechanism | Denis/McAfee | AO | ANTERIOR | MIDDLE | POSTERIOR |
| Axial Load | COMPRESSION FX | Type A | Compression | None | None |
| Axial Load | 2-COLUMN BURST FX | Type A | Compression | Compression | None |
| Axial Load | 3-COLUMN BURST FX | Type A | Compression | Compression | “Disruption” (facet widening) |
| Posterior Distraction (seatbelt injury) | FLEXION/DISTRACTION INJURY | Type B | Compression | Compression or distraction | Distraction |
| Posterior Distraction (seatbelt injury) | CHANCE INJURY (bony vs ligamentous) | Type B | Distraction | Distraction | Distraction |
| Anterior Distraction (reverse seatbelt injury) | EXTENSION (DISH/AS) | Type B | Distraction | Distraction | Distraction |
| Shear | FRACTURE/DISLOCATION | Type C | Shear | Shear | Shear |
Courtesy of Quynh Nguyen, PA