#hangmansfracture

One of the unstable C-spine fractures. Caused by hyperextension injury causing C2 to displace anterior over C3 (blue arrow) often due to bilateral C2 pedicle fractures. Pre-vertebral soft tissue swelling is noted suggesting disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament (orange arrow). Pars interarticularis fractures are also noted by the red arrow. These patients are at risk for disruption of the posterior longitudinal ligament. This fracture typically heals with immobilization.