title: Spectrum of the hangman's fracture.
abstract: The authors review their experience in managing 26 cases of "hangman's fracture." The basic mechanism of injury was hyperextension of the upper cervical spine. Radiographic studies revealed a spectrum of injury beginning with the classical hangman's fracture and progressing to the simple C-2 laminar-pedicle fracture. Appreciation of the fracture instability will dictate the method and duration of fracture treatment. Management by a closed, nonoperative means resulted in solid union of the bone in all fully treated cases, with a minimum of morbidity.
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000150:complications; D011859:Radiography; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D014143:Traction