Chee-Kidd Chiu1,2, Chris Yin-Wei Chan3, Lim-Beng Saw3, Mun-Keong Kwan3. 1. Orthopedic Surgery, Clinical School, International Medical University, Seremban, Malaysia. cheekidd@yahoo.com. 2. Orthopedic Surgery, Clinical School, International Medical University Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, 70300, Malaysia. cheekidd@yahoo.com. 3. Orthopedic Surgery, University of Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Injury to the cervical spine due to a scarfassociated accident has not been reported in the literature. We present a case of a hangman's fracture in a 43-year-old woman that resulted from a scarfrelated injury as a consequence of a motor vehicle accident. PURPOSE: To identify the mechanism of a scarf-related injury causing Hangman's fracture. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old woman was involved in a motor vehicle accident. She was wearing a scarf, which is a common clothing accessory for women in Malaysia. The scarf was violently torn off her head during the injury, causing a type I hangman's fracture. A halo vest for a total period of 3 months was applied. CONCLUSION: A scarf-related injury can cause an injury that resembles judicial hanging, leading to a traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. Careful evaluation of the cervical spine radiographs is crucial as occult fracture of the axis can be missed.
BACKGROUND: Injury to the cervical spine due to a scarfassociated accident has not been reported in the literature. We present a case of a hangman's fracture in a 43-year-old woman that resulted from a scarfrelated injury as a consequence of a motor vehicle accident. PURPOSE: To identify the mechanism of a scarf-related injury causing Hangman's fracture. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old woman was involved in a motor vehicle accident. She was wearing a scarf, which is a common clothing accessory for women in Malaysia. The scarf was violently torn off her head during the injury, causing a type I hangman's fracture. A halo vest for a total period of 3 months was applied. CONCLUSION: A scarf-related injury can cause an injury that resembles judicial hanging, leading to a traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. Careful evaluation of the cervical spine radiographs is crucial as occult fracture of the axis can be missed.
Entities:
Keywords:
Axis; Hangman; Spine; Spondylolisthesis; Trauma management and education