Levine and Edwards classification of hangman fractures (diagrams)

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis not applicable

Diagrams of the types of hangman fractures.

Case Discussion

  • type I: fracture with <3 mm antero-posterior deviation
    • no angular deviation
    • C2/3 disc intact
  • type II: fracture with >3 mm antero-posterior deviation
    • significant angular deviation
    • vertical fracture line
    • C2/3 disc and posterior longitudinal ligament are disrupted
  • type IIa: type II fracture with a horizontal/oblique fracture line
    • significant angular deviation without anterior translation
  • type III: type II with bilateral facet joint dislocation

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