fracture of cervical spine in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis
A patient with thirty years old history of ankylosing spondylitis sustained ahead and neck injury after a fall.He transmitted to the emergency department of a general hospital.His GCS was 15 n findings in neurological examination,and had x-rays of the head and neck which considered aw normal and the patient discharged from the hospital.For the next three months complained for neck pain and numbness of the uper arms.New xrays and MRI revealed a burst fracture of the C7 vertebra with posterior displacement of the fracture without compromissing spinal cord.The patient is treated in a cervical collar Phladelrhia type and examined every month.
Fractures of cervical spine occure easily in patients with ankylosing spondylitis even after a minor trauma due to osteoporosis and altered embiomechanics.Frequently affect the C6-C7 vertebra and are three column fractures unstable and combined with neurological complications .
A dynamic extension x-ray 4 months after the initial injury shows evidence of healing of fracture
Dynamic flexion x-ray shows no anterior translation of C6 vertebra .Evidence of healing process 4 months after initial injury
Profile x-ray 4 months after initial injury
