Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis: Hangman's fracture
Pepin, J.W.; Hawkins, R.J.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 157: 133-138
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 7249446 Document Number: 169026
Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis is classified either as Type 1, an undisplaced fracture involving the posterior elements only, or Type 2, a displaced fracture involving the posterior elements plus the anterior structures. This classification is the basis of a rational treatment program. Neurologically, not one in a series of 42 patients was made worse by the proposed program of treatment. All fractures healed per primam without operative intervention. There was no evidence of late instability. The incidence of spinal cord and nerve root involvement was low although the incidence of associated trauma, particularly head trauma, was extremely high.