This fracture. which results from hyper-flexion of the neck, results in avulsion fractures on the spinous processes of C6 through T1. The fracture is vest demonstrated on a lateral cervical spine radiograph. 

This fracture extends through the pedicles of C2 with or without subluxation of C2 on C3. This cervical fracture occurs when the neck is subjected to extreme hyperextension. The patient is not stable because the intact odontoid process is pressed posteriorly against the brainstem. A lateral projection of the cervical spine will demonstrate the anterior displacement of C2 characteristic of a hangman's fracture. 

If the soft inner part of an intervertebral disk protrudes through the fibrous cartilage outer layer into the spinal canal it may press on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, causing severe pain and possible numbness that radiate into the extremities. This condition is sometimes called a slipped disk. This is well demonstrated by the MR of the cervical spine region.

This comminuted fracture occurs as a result of axial loading, such as that produced by landing on one's head or abruptly on one's feet. The anterior and posterior arches of C1 are fractured as the skull slams onto the ring. The AP open mouth projection and the lateral cervical spine projections will demonstrate a Jefferson fracture. 

A relatively common disease of unknown origin that generally begins during adolescence, Scheuermann disease results in the abnormal spinal curvature of kyphosis and scoliosis. It is more common in males than females. Most cases are mild and continue for several years, after which symptoms disappear but some spinal curvature remains. 

The mechanism of injury is compression with hyperflexion in the cervical region. the vertebral body is comminuted with triangular fragments avulsed from the antero-inferior border and fragments from the posterior vertebral body displaced into the spinal canal. Neurologic damage is high probability. On the basis of the extent the fracture and possible spinal cord involvement, CT scanning is usually indicated once a baseline lateral and AP projections of the cervical spine have been taken.