This rare and catastrophic injury led to a retropulsion fracture of the C5 vertebral body, associated with a C6 fracture, and despite emergency care, the victim died two days later. This is the first recorded case of such injury morphology that defies standard classification systems.

The Incident: Sudden Trauma, Immediate Crisis

According to the case report, the young man was standing in his workplace when a large, heavy metallic pipe or beam unexpectedly fell from above and struck the frontal region of his head. He lost consciousness, fell into respiratory distress, and went into shock almost immediately upon impact. Emergency medical responders performed rapid intubation and stabilization, applying a rigid cervical collar before transferring him to hospital.

Medical Findings: A Rare and Dangerous Fracture

Once in the emergency department, the patient underwent non‑contrast computed tomography (NCCT) of the cervical spine. The images revealed:

• An isolated retropulsion