Functional outcome in unstable Hangman's fracture managed with anterior approach: A prospective study

AIM: To study the functional outcome in unstable Hangman s fracture managed with anterior decompression and stabilization with cervical locking plate and tricortical bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, 44 patients (range: 19-75 years) with unstable Hangman's fracture underwent anterior decompression and stabilization with cervical locking plate and tricortical bone graft in our institution. RESULT: According to the Levine and Edwards classification, all patients were unstable with Type IA 6 (13.6), Type IIA 35 (79.5%), Type II (0), and Type III (6.8). The mean period of follow-up was 17 months (range: 6-48 months). Neurological recovery was observed in all nine patients. All patients were relieved from axial pain. None of the patients received blood transfusion. All patients showed solid fusion with no complication related to bone graft and plate. CONCLUSION: The anterior C2/C3 discectomy, fusion, and stabilization with cervical locking plate and tricortical bone graft are feasible and safe method in treating HangmanÊs fracture, with the benefit of high primary stability, anatomical reduction, and direct decompression of the spinal cord.