Posterior C2-C3 Fixation for Unstable Hangman's Fracture

OBJECTIVE This is a retrospective review of 13 unstable Hangman's fractures who underwent posterior C2-3 fixation to describe clinical outcomes with a literature review. METHODS Thirteen patients for unstable Hangman's fracture were enrolled between July 2007 and June 2010 were included in this study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. Concurrently, clinical outcomes were evaluated using Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores during preoperative and postoperative follow up period. Plain radiographs were obtained on postoperative 1day, 1week, and then at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months. CT was done at postoperative 12 months in all patients for evaluation of bone fusion. The mean period of clinical follow-up was 17 months. RESULTS Mean age were 43 years old. Bone fusion was recognized in all cases at the final follow-up. The average preoperative VAS score for neck pain was 8.3±1.1, while the final follow-up VAS score was 2.07±0.8 (p<0.001). The average immediate postoperative NDI was 84% points and final NDI was 22% points (p<0.001). There were one case of infection and 1 case of screw loosening. CONCLUSION In the treatment of the patients with unstable Hangman's fracture, posterior C2-C3 fusions is effective and curative treatments to achieve cervical spinal stability.