Unstable Cervical Spine Fractures 

The common mnemonic “Jefferson Bit Off A Hangman’s Thumb,” is used to remember the unstable fractures

Jeffereson Fracture AKA C1 Burst Fracture

Bilateral Facet Dislocation

Odontoid Fractures AKA Type 2 & 3 C2 Dens Fracture

Atlanto-occipital Dislocation

Atlanto-axial Dislocation

Hangman's Fracture AKA C2 Pedicular Fracture

Teardrop Fracture (Extension)

Teardrop Fracture (Flexion)

Anterior Subluxation



By Sarah Sanders, MD



#Unstable #CervicalSpine #Fractures #Trauma #Orthopedics #Diagnosis