Hangman fracture is a fracture that involves both pars interarticulares of the C2 vertebra. It is typically the result of a hyperextension and distraction injury. The name originates from the injury supposedly sustained during judicial hanging. In this case, a fall on the head was the mechanism responsible for the hyperextension injury of this patient's cervical spine.

The arcuate foramen is a normal variant of the atlas and is appreciated on a lateral plain film of the craniocervical junction.