A hangman’s fracture is an injury to the second vertebrae (down from the skull) in your neck where the bone that connects the main base to the bony extensions extending from the main body of the vertebrae (lamina) is broken on both sides of your neck. Although it is named for an injury produced by hanging, it is rare that this injury occurs when someone is hanged to death.
What Are Other Names For a Hangman’s Fracture?
The C2 vertebrae is known as the Axis. The part of it that breaks in a hangman’s fracture is called the pars interarticularis or the “pedicle.” Due to these different titles, it may also be referred to in medical records or by your physician as a C2 fracture, an Axis fracture, a bilateral pedicle fracture, a bilateral fracture of C2, traumatic spondylosis of the Axis (C2), Pars interarticularis defects, bilateral fracture traversing the pars interarticularis of cervical vertebrae 2, or a similar combination of these terms. Ask your doctor for clarification to be certain but these all typically indicate the same type of bone fracture in the neck.
What Are Common Causes of a Hangman’s Fracture?
Hangman’s fractures are traumatically produced injuries caused when the head is forced back and up extending the neck beyond its natural capability. Even though hangings are rare these days, a hangman’s fracture only occurs in a very small number of hangings. The most common ways a hangman’s fracture occurs now are:
- A car accident where the occupant is thrown forward into the steering wheel, windshield, or possibly the airbag in such a way that the head is pushed back and up ( hyperextended) rotating at the C2 vertebrae (Axis).
- Diving into a shall pool or body of water and striking the bottom forehead or face-first resulting in the head being pushed back and neck hyperextended.
- A fall where the neck is hyperextended upon impact.
- A collision in a contact sport like football or rugby where the head collides and is
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms may vary depending on the type of hangman’s fracture. People suffering from a hangman’s fracture may present with any of the following:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Neck pain
- Bruising or swelling around the neck
- Difficulty breathing
It is important to note that the injured party may have no neurological deficit—they appear to have normal body function.
How is a Bilateral C2 Fracture Diagnosed?
It is not uncommon for a person to suffer this injury and appear neurologically intact. Hangman’s fractures are typically diagnosed by X-ray, MRI, or a CT Scan. If there is no displacement, it may be difficult to spot. Dynamic X-rays or Flexion/Extension X-rays may better reveal abnormal movement and/or bone displacement
How Do You Fix a Hangman’s Fracture?
A hangman’s fracture may be classified as Type 1, Type 2, Type 2A, or Type 3 with Type 1 being the least significant and Type 3 being a serious injury with displacement of the C2 and C3 vertebrae. Type 1, if caught soon enough by your doctor, can be medically immobilized for 4-6 weeks with a high probability of a complete recovery. Type 3 will require surgery and immobilization to repair. You still have a good chance of making a full recovery so long as you see a doctor and get the medical care you need. Failure to treat a hangman’s fracture results in instability of the spine which can lead to damage to the spinal cord, paralysis, pain, numbness, tingling, and even death. Always, seek medical care if you suspect an injury to your cervical spine.
Legal Options
If you suffer a hangman’s fracture from an auto accident or a fall caused by someone else, you may be eligible to make a claim against their insurance company for your damages. A lawyer who handles car accidents or a slip and fall attorney can help you evaluate your options. If you dove into a pool where the depth was unmarked and no warnings were given, a pool accident attorney may be able to help you make a claim against the appropriate homeowner’s and/or commercial general liability insurance policy.
What Can I Recover if Someone’s Negligence Causes My Hangman’s Fracture?
If you suffer a hangman’s fracture due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim against them and their insurance company to compensate you for the following damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical expenses incurred due to the injury
- Medical care you will require in the future
- Lost time from work due to caring for and/or recovering from your injury
- Mental anguish
- Prescription and medical supply costs
- Physical impairment
- Scarring from neck surgery.
More Information
Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., offers a free consultation for individuals suffering from a cervical spine injury. Call 800-298-0111 to discuss your rights.