Traumatic spondylolisthesis: a case report and review of the literature

A 30-yr-old male presented with severe neck pain and minimal range of motion. After previous diagnosis of cervical strain/sprain syndrome, careful orthopedic and neurological examination indicated a very serious problem. Magnetic resonance imaging was ordered, revealing the presence of traumatic spondylolisthesis (hangman's fracture) with severe instability of C2 and C3.