CT appearance of congenital defect resembling the Hangman's fracture.

摘要

PURPOSE: Congenital defects of C2 are rare and can be confused with Hangman's fractures. CT has been advocated as aiding in differentiation between an acute fracture and congenital defects. METHODS: We present a case of a 2-year-old recent accident victim, who was erroneously diagnosed by plain film and CT as having a Hangman's fracture. RESULTS: The CT demonstrated an atypical appearance of a congenital defect. CONCLUSION: This case shows that the radiographic differentiation between a Hangman's fracture and a congenital defect is more difficult than previously described.