Summary

The authors present a case report of a potentially missed C2 fracture whose signs and symptoms did not warrant radiograph imaging according to both the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study and Canadian C-spine Rules. The patient had a significant injury while rear-ending a stationary vehicle at 20 mph, and the correct diagnosis was only made based on approaching him with a high index of suspicion. He was successfully treated in a halo collar and made an excellent recovery.