Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Hangman's Fracture in a Child with Osteopetrosis
Abhidha Shah1, Saswat Dandpat1, Atul Goel2
1Department of Neurosurgery, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Parel, Mumbai, India.
Background:
We report a rare case of Hangman's fracture in a male child with osteopetrosis.
Case Description:
A 7-year-old boy was earlier diagnosed to have 'osteopetrosis'. He presented with neck pain, restriction of neck movements and quadriparesis following a fall while playing at home. Investigations revealed fracture of the bilateral C2 pars interarticularis. Goel technique of lateral mass plate and screw fixation was done on one side and a C2 pedicular screw fixation that traversed across the fracture line was performed on the contralateral side. The patient recovered rapidly in all symptoms following surgery.
Conclusion:
Osteopetrosis can be a rare cause of Hangman's fracture.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...

