Posterior C2-C3 Fixation for Unstable Hangman's Fracture.
OBJECTIVE
This is a retrospective review of 13 unstable Hangman's fractures who underwent posterior C2-3 fixation to describe clinical outcomes with a literature review.


METHODS
Thirteen patients for unstable Hangman's fracture were enrolled between July 2007 and June 2010 were included in this study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. Concurrently, clinical outcomes were evaluated using Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores during preoperative and postoperative follow up period. Plain radiographs were obtained on postoperative 1day, 1week, and then at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months. CT was done at postoperative 12 months in all patients for evaluation of bone fusion. The mean period of clinical follow-up was 17 months.


RESULTS
Mean age were 43 years old. Bone fusion was recognized in all cases at the final follow-up. The average preoperative VAS score for neck pain was 8.3±1.1, while the final follow-up VAS score was 2.07±0.8 (p<0.001). The average immediate postoperative NDI was 84% points and final NDI was 22% points (p<0.001). There were one case of infection and 1 case of screw loosening.


CONCLUSIONS
In the treatment of the patients with unstable Hangman's fracture, posterior C2-C3 fusions is effective and curative treatments to achieve cervical spinal stability.
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Dong Hwan
DH
Jeong
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Nam Kyu
NK
You
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Chul Kyu
CK
Lee
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Ki Hong
KH
Cho
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Sang Hyun
SH
Kim
C2; C3; Hangman's fracture; Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis; instability