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Case Reports
. 2015 Oct-Dec;6(4):227-9.
doi: 10.4103/0974-8237.167891.

Successful management of a cervical fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis by a posterior approach

Neeraj Patni  1 , Abhidha Shah  1 , Vithal Rangarajan  1 , Atul Goel  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Successful management of a cervical fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis by a posterior approach

Neeraj Patni et al. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine. 2015 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are at an increased risk of spinal fractures due to the altered spinal biomechanics. Moreover, it is difficult to treat these fractures due to the combination of ankylosis and osteoporosis. We report successful management of a C6-C7 vertebral fracture in a patient with AS. The patient improved in his neurological status and a good fusion was seen at a follow-up of 24 months.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; cervical fracture; posterior approach.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Sagittal image of computed tomography scan showing the C6-C7 fracture with complete disruption of the anterior, middle, and posterior elements of the spine with listhesis of C6 vertebra over C7 vertebra. (b) T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging showing the listhesis of C6 over C7 vertebra. (c) Three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography image showing the typical bamboo spine appearance of ankylosing spondylitis with fracture at C6-C7 level
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Delayed postoperative image showing healing of the fracture with good alignment and fusion. (b) Sagittal image of computed tomography scan through the facets showing the pedicular fixation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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