Hangman's fracture: Difference between revisions
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==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
[[File:Hangman fracture.png|thumb|Hangman's Fracture]] | [[File:Hangman fracture.png|thumb|Hangman's Fracture]] | ||
*Seen in MVA, diving accidents, | *Seen in MVA, diving accidents, but uncommonly judicial hangings (not in suicidal hangings)<ref>James, R. and Nasmyth-Jones, R. (1992) ‘The occurrence of cervical fractures in victims of judicial hanging’, Forensic Science International, 54(1), pp. 81–91</ref> | ||
**Forced extension of an already extended neck | **Forced extension of an already extended neck | ||
*Spinal cord damage is often minimal (diameter of neural canal is greatest at C2) | *Spinal cord damage is often minimal (diameter of neural canal is greatest at C2) | ||
Revision as of 09:00, 19 December 2015
Background
- Also known as traumatic spondylolisthesis
- Is an unstable spine injury
- Bilateral C2 pedicle fracture (leads to C2 displacing anteriorly on C3)
Clinical Features
- Seen in MVA, diving accidents, but uncommonly judicial hangings (not in suicidal hangings)[1]
- Forced extension of an already extended neck
- Spinal cord damage is often minimal (diameter of neural canal is greatest at C2)
Differential Diagnosis
Vertebral fractures and dislocations types
- Cervical fractures and dislocations
- Thoracic and lumbar fractures and dislocations
Workup
Management
Prehospital Immobilization
See NAEMSP National Guidelines for Spinal Immobilization
Hospital
- C-collar
- Consult ortho or spine as needed
Disposition
- Admit
See Also
- ↑ James, R. and Nasmyth-Jones, R. (1992) ‘The occurrence of cervical fractures in victims of judicial hanging’, Forensic Science International, 54(1), pp. 81–91