Hangman's fracture: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Hangman's fracture | |||
| image = [[File:CT_of_hangman's_fracture.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = CT scan showing a hangman's fracture | |||
| field = [[Orthopedics]], [[Neurosurgery]] | |||
| synonyms = Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis | |||
| symptoms = Neck pain, limited range of motion, neurological deficits | |||
| complications = [[Spinal cord injury]], [[paralysis]], [[death]] | |||
| onset = Sudden, typically due to trauma | |||
| duration = Varies, depending on severity and treatment | |||
| causes = [[Trauma]], such as motor vehicle accidents or falls | |||
| risks = High-speed accidents, falls from height | |||
| diagnosis = [[CT scan]], [[X-ray]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Odontoid fracture]], [[Cervical spine fracture]] | |||
| prevention = Use of seat belts, protective gear in sports | |||
| treatment = [[Immobilization]], [[surgery]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with appropriate treatment | |||
| frequency = Relatively rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Hangman's fracture.JPG|Hangman's fracture|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Incidence According to Age Group in the USA during 2010.png|Incidence According to Age Group in the USA during 2010|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Trend of Hospital Charges and Number of Discharges.png|Trend of Hospital Charges and Number of Discharges|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Hangman's fracture''' is a specific type of [[cervical fracture]] that involves the second cervical vertebra (C2). It is a serious injury that can lead to severe [[neurological]] complications or death. The fracture is named after the method of execution by hanging, as the mechanism of injury is similar. | '''Hangman's fracture''' is a specific type of [[cervical fracture]] that involves the second cervical vertebra (C2). It is a serious injury that can lead to severe [[neurological]] complications or death. The fracture is named after the method of execution by hanging, as the mechanism of injury is similar. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Hangman's fractures are typically caused by extreme hyperextension of the neck, often as a result of high-speed motor vehicle accidents or falls from a significant height. They can also occur as a result of attempted suicide by hanging, although this is less common. | Hangman's fractures are typically caused by extreme hyperextension of the neck, often as a result of high-speed motor vehicle accidents or falls from a significant height. They can also occur as a result of attempted suicide by hanging, although this is less common. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of a hangman's fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include: | The symptoms of a hangman's fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include: | ||
* Severe neck pain | * Severe neck pain | ||
* Difficulty moving the neck | * Difficulty moving the neck | ||
* Difficulty swallowing or speaking | * Difficulty swallowing or speaking | ||
* Numbness or weakness in the limbs | * Numbness or weakness in the limbs | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of a hangman's fracture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests such as [[X-ray]]s, [[CT scan]]s, or [[MRI]]s. The fracture is characterized by a break in the pars interarticularis of C2 on both sides. | Diagnosis of a hangman's fracture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests such as [[X-ray]]s, [[CT scan]]s, or [[MRI]]s. The fracture is characterized by a break in the pars interarticularis of C2 on both sides. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for a hangman's fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and the patient's overall health. It may involve: | Treatment for a hangman's fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and the patient's overall health. It may involve: | ||
* Immobilization with a cervical collar or halo vest | * Immobilization with a cervical collar or halo vest | ||
* Pain management with medications | * Pain management with medications | ||
* Surgery to stabilize the spine | * Surgery to stabilize the spine | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for a hangman's fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health. With appropriate treatment, some patients may make a full recovery. However, severe fractures can result in long-term complications such as chronic pain, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and neurological problems. | The prognosis for a hangman's fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health. With appropriate treatment, some patients may make a full recovery. However, severe fractures can result in long-term complications such as chronic pain, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and neurological problems. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Cervical vertebrae]] | * [[Cervical vertebrae]] | ||
* [[Spinal fracture]] | * [[Spinal fracture]] | ||
* [[Neck injury]] | * [[Neck injury]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | [[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | ||
[[Category:Spinal cord injury]] | [[Category:Spinal cord injury]] | ||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | [[Category:Medical emergencies]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 10:15, 13 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Hangman's fracture | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Neck pain, limited range of motion, neurological deficits |
| Complications | Spinal cord injury, paralysis, death |
| Onset | Sudden, typically due to trauma |
| Duration | Varies, depending on severity and treatment |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls |
| Risks | High-speed accidents, falls from height |
| Diagnosis | CT scan, X-ray, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Odontoid fracture, Cervical spine fracture |
| Prevention | Use of seat belts, protective gear in sports |
| Treatment | Immobilization, surgery, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with appropriate treatment |
| Frequency | Relatively rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Hangman's fracture is a specific type of cervical fracture that involves the second cervical vertebra (C2). It is a serious injury that can lead to severe neurological complications or death. The fracture is named after the method of execution by hanging, as the mechanism of injury is similar.
Causes[edit]
Hangman's fractures are typically caused by extreme hyperextension of the neck, often as a result of high-speed motor vehicle accidents or falls from a significant height. They can also occur as a result of attempted suicide by hanging, although this is less common.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a hangman's fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include:
- Severe neck pain
- Difficulty moving the neck
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a hangman's fracture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. The fracture is characterized by a break in the pars interarticularis of C2 on both sides.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for a hangman's fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and the patient's overall health. It may involve:
- Immobilization with a cervical collar or halo vest
- Pain management with medications
- Surgery to stabilize the spine
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for a hangman's fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health. With appropriate treatment, some patients may make a full recovery. However, severe fractures can result in long-term complications such as chronic pain, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and neurological problems.
