Fracture types of axis, C2 by Effendi, modified by Levine & Edwards
The classification of fractures of axis was introduced by Effendi et al. and later modified by Lewine and Edwards. With further two types added (IA and IIA), the modified classification has five types.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type I | fracture of the pedicles, intervertebral disc C2/3 is intact, dislocation ≤3mm without angulation |
| Type IA | fracture lines on each side are not parallel, fracture line may involve foramen transversarium on one side |
| Type II | fracture of the pedicles with dislocation >3mm and/or angulation, involvement of the intervertebral disc C2/3 |
| Type IIA | oblique fracture - commonly anterior-inferior to posterior-superior with little subluxation but more angulation |
| Type III | type II and luxation of vertebral joints C2/3 - posterior arch is free floating |
References
1. Li X-F, Dai L-Y, Lu H, Chen X-D. A systematic review of the management of hangman’s fractures. Eur Spine J. 2006 Mar;15(3):257–69.
2. Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. Thieme; 2010:960
3. Effendi B, Roy D, Cornish B, Dussault RG, Laurin CA. Fractures of the ring of the axis: a classification based on the analysis of 131 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1981;63:319–327
4. Levine AM, Edwards CC. The management of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1985 Feb; 67(2):217-26.
Updated 15/11/2013 07:45 by Lambert