C2 Fractures Flashcards
What is the mechanism of a hangman fracture?
hyperextension without traction
(eg. rear-ended w/unsupportive headrest)
What is the stability of a hangman fracture?
unstable
What is the clinical presentation of a hangman fracture?
- often neurologically intact at presentation
- +/ve Rust sign
What other injuries are associated with a hangman fracture?
25% have other hyperextension inj (teardrop Fx)
What is the clinical significance of a hangman fracture?
leads to “traumatic spondylolisthesis” of C2
What is a hangman fracture?
Fx through C2 pedicles
What is a teardrop fracture?
Fx of anterior inferior body of c/s, leaving a small triangular Fx fragment
What is the mechanism of a teardrop fracture?
C2-C4 hyperextension
C3-C7 hyperflexion
What structures are damaged in a teardrop fracture of C2?
ALL rupture + avulsion of body corner
What structures are damaged in a teardrop fracture of C5?
complete posterior ligamentous rupture knocks body corner off (everything but ALL)
What is the stability of a teardrop fracture?
unstable
(flexion worse than extension)
What neurologic injury occurs with an extension mechanism teardrop fracture?
central cord syndrome:
loss of motion & sensation in upper extremities
What neurologic injury occurs with an flexion mechanism teardrop fracture?
anterior cord syndrome:
complete motor paralysis, loss of P&T sensations
What is a type 1 odontoid fracture?
avulsion of alar ligament on dens (small piece)
What is the mechanism of a type 1 odontoid fracture?
traction injury
What is the stability of a type 1 odontoid fracture?
stable
What is a type 2 odontoid fracture?
Fx at the base of dens
(heals non-union)
What is the mechanism of a type 2 odontoid fracture?
hyperextension
(often in elderly w/ osteopenia)
What is the stability of a type 2 odontoid fracture?
unstable
(Guillotine effect)
What is a type 3 odontoid fracture?
Fx through at least 1 facet of C2
What is the mechanism of a type 3 odontoid fracture?
hyperflexion OR hyperextension
What is the stability of a type 3 odontoid fracture?
unstable
What is the most common type of odontoid fracture?
type 2
What is the differential diagnosis for a type 2 odontoid fracture?
os odontoideum
What is the diagnosis?
Type 3 odontoid Fx
What is the diagnosis?
Hangman Fx
What is the diagnosis?
Type 2 odontoid Fx
What is the diagnosis?
Teardrop Fx
What is the stability of this diagnosis?
Unstable
(Type 2 odontoid Fx)
A bilateral pedicle fracture of C2 is noted with a 25% anterolisthesis. What is the diagnosis?
Hangman Fx