Undetected Hangman's Fracture in a Patient Referred for Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Neck Pain Following Trauma

Abstract

In patients with neck pain caused by trauma, physical therapists should be alert for the presence of cervical spine fractures. Even if the initial radiographs are negative for a fracture, additional diagnostic imaging may be necessary for a small number of patients, because they may have undetected injuries that would necessitate medical referral and preclude physical therapy intervention.

Hangman’s fracture presenting to chiropractic clinic as benign neck pain: a case report

“…9,10 Cervical rigidity secondary to muscle spasm and cervical pain is commonly noted in patient presentation. 4,6,9,18 Consistent with the presentation of the patient in this case study, facial abrasions and scalp abrasions were also common among cases presentedespecially those resulting from falls. 7,9,10 As most modern cases result from motor vehicle trauma, other bodily injuries including skull fractures may be present accompanying hangman's fracture.…”

Physical Therapist Practice and the Role of Diagnostic Imaging

“…26,28,38,42,47,49,50,56,57 Though it is important to add more evidence to support physical therapists' use of imaging, a more fundamental issue is whether physical therapists can be educated and demonstrate competencies in performing such duties.…”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Generating a New Pulse in the Physical Therapy Profession

“…Clinicians and researchers in our field have published and continue to publish seminal and oftentimes multidisciplinary works related to imaging. 6,8,9,[12][13][14][15][16]23,24,[26][27][28] Our journals continue to publish more imaging-related studies/cases, and our professional conferences encourage and accept poster and platform submissions that feature imaging. Finally, the recent development of the Special Interest Group on Imaging within the Orthopedic Section of the APTA is another important contribution to developing practice competencies, reducing practice variability, fostering imaging curriculum in physical therapist education, and promoting the role of the physical therapist, as a primary care team member, in judicious referral for imaging procedures.…”