C1-C3 lateral mass fusion for type IIa and type III Hangman′s fracture

Abstract

Hangman′s fractures, also known as traumatic spondylolisthesis of axis, can be managed either conservatively with immobilization or by surgery. Surgery is usually indicated in cases with instability or failure of conservative treatment. Different surgical approaches, both anterior and posterior, have been described for treating Hangman′s fracture. We report two patients, one with type IIa and another with type III Hangman′s fracture treated with C1-C3 lateral mass fusion and discuss the advantages and limitations of this technique when compared to other techniques for fusion in patients with Hangman′s fracture.

Keywords

• Axis fracture
• C1-C3 fusion
• cervical spine
• Hangman′s fracture
• pars
• pedicle
• spinal fusion
• traumatic spondylolisthesis of axis