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Hangman's Fracture


ED Management

      All patients with suspected or confirmed hangman’s fracture should be immobilized in hard cervical collars immediately.  Complete radiolographic examination of the cervical spine via CT scan is indicated.  A spine surgeon should be emergently consulted on all patients with hangman’s fracture because definitive management varies depending upon the type of hangman’s fracture.   Definitive treatment can be a hard collar, skeletal traction, halo vest, or open reduction internal fixation, depending on the injury classification.

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January 28, 2010
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