Hangman’s fracture

  • traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2 with fracture through both pedicles
  • posterior elements separated from vertebral body
  • fracture lines oblique and symmetrical
  • anteroinferior C2 margin may be avulsed
  • C2 body subluxes anteriorly to C3 but posterior elements remain aligned
mechanism
  • hyperextension injury
  • unstable injury