Hangman's Fracture

C2 Fracture with disruption of spinolaminar line (Swishuk's Line drawn in this example)

This is a C2 posterior body fracture with posterior displacement of the spinolaminar line. A Hangman's fracture is defined as a C2 bipedicle fracture with disruption of the ligament between C2 and C3. Always remember to visualize the four lines on a lateral cervical spine xray: the anterior vertebral body, the posterior vertebral body, the spinolaminar and spinous process lines.