Question
The fracture shown in the picture below, is the frature involving which cervical vertebra?
A. C1.
B. C2.
C. C3.
D. C4.
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Correct Answer » B Explanation |
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Hangman’s fracture is bilateral fracture of the pars interarticularis of axis (C2) with traumatic spondylolisthesis of axis (C2) over C3 vertebrae. Thus Hangman’s fracture is not simply a fracture, but fracture dislocation of axis (C2).
The mechanism of injury is extension with distraction (in true, judicial hangman’s fracture) and hyper-extension, axial compression & flexion (in civilian injuries, which are now more common).
It is second most common type of Axis (C2) fracture, second only to odontoid fractures.
Fatalaties arc common, However, neurological deficit is unusual as the fracture of posterior arch decompress the spinal cord.
Most of the fatalities occur at the scene of injury, acute post admission mortality is low.
Successful healing of C2 traumatic spondylolishesis is reported to approach 95%. This is most commonly achieved with non-operative measures, even in the presence of displacement of pars inter-articularis.
