A case of acute hangman's fracture

Abstract

Hangman's fracture classically results from hyperextension/distraction of the upper cervical spine, causing the axis to break symmetrically across its pedicles or lateral masses and may involve the body of the vertebrae. Interestingly, Starr and Eismont described an atypical hangman's fracture where fracture lines are not parallel and may pass through the foramen transversarium unilaterally from a hyperextension and lateral side-bending injury, as the mechanism described herein. We present a case of an atypical hangman's fracture in a 73-year-old Caucasian female after being involved in a low-speed motor vehicle collision.

Keywords

• Atypical hangman's fracture
• Cervical spine fracture
• Motor vehicle collision