Hangman fracture involves fracture of which vertebral region?

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Multiple Choice

Hangman fracture involves fracture of which vertebral region?

Hangman’s fracture is a bilateral fracture through the pars interarticularis of the axis (the second cervical vertebra). The pars interarticularis is the narrow segment between the superior and inferior articular facets, and when it breaks on both sides due to hyperextension with axial loading, the C2 vertebra can shift forward relative to C3. This location—not the pedicle, not the C1 posterior arch, and not the C3 body—defines the injury. The pars interarticularis fracture of C2 is what gives Hangman’s fracture its characteristic pattern and instability.

Hangman’s fracture is a bilateral fracture through the pars interarticularis of the axis (the second cervical vertebra). The pars interarticularis is the narrow segment between the superior and inferior articular facets, and when it breaks on both sides due to hyperextension with axial loading, the C2 vertebra can shift forward relative to C3. This location—not the pedicle, not the C1 posterior arch, and not the C3 body—defines the injury. The pars interarticularis fracture of C2 is what gives Hangman’s fracture its characteristic pattern and instability.

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