Atypical Hangman's fractures

Nineteen cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis, including 13 standard hangman's fractures and 6 anterolistheses of the C2 vertebral body associated with Effendi's atypical hangman's fractures, were studied. Unlike the standard Effendi Type I or Type II fractures, atypical h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Spine (Philadelphia, PA. 1976) PA. 1976), 1993-10, Vol.18 (14), p.1954-1957
Main Authors: STARR, J. K, EISMONT, F. J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Axis, Cervical Vertebra - injuries
Biological and medical sciences
Female
Humans
Incidence
Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine
Joint Dislocations - classification
Joint Dislocations - complications
Joint Dislocations - epidemiology
Male
Medical sciences
Quadriplegia - etiology
Spinal Fractures - classification
Spinal Fractures - complications
Spinal Fractures - epidemiology
Spondylolisthesis - etiology
Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
Citations: Items that cite this one
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Description
Summary:Nineteen cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis, including 13 standard hangman's fractures and 6 anterolistheses of the C2 vertebral body associated with Effendi's atypical hangman's fractures, were studied. Unlike the standard Effendi Type I or Type II fractures, atypical hangman's fractures, occurring through the posterior aspect of the vertebral body with unilateral or bilateral continuity of the posterior cortex or pedicle, routinely narrow the spinal canal because of the fracture pattern and degree of subluxation. These atypical C2 injuries were more frequent and more often accompanied by paralysis (33%) than was previously anticipated. Because of their greater potential for neurologic compromise, it is essential that these fractures be recognized as distinct from standard Types I and II C2 fractures. Larger series should clarify both the true incidence of paralysis and long-term results from these unique C2 injuries.
ISSN:0362-2436
1528-1159
DOI:10.1097/00007632-199310001-00005