Fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a seronegative inflammatory disorder that causes autofusion of the spine. These patients have a higher risk of spinal fractures and spinal cord injury than the normal population. Senior advice should be obtained, because application of a cervical collar may be contraindicated, and patients should be managed instead in a position of comfort. Surgical stabilisation is commonly indicated. Summary box 30.6 Cervical spine injuries /uni25CF /uni25CF

Figure 30.31 C5/6 bifacetal dislocation (arrows). The majority of upper cervical spinal injuries are treated non- operatively Spinal cord injury is more commonly associated with subaxial cervical spinal injuries

Fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a seronegative inflammatory disorder that causes autofusion of the spine. These patients have a higher risk of spinal fractures and spinal cord injury than the normal population. Senior advice should be obtained, because application of a cervical collar may be contraindicated, and patients should be managed instead in a position of comfort. Surgical stabilisation is commonly indicated. Summary box 30.6 Cervical spine injuries /uni25CF /uni25CF

Figure 30.31 C5/6 bifacetal dislocation (arrows). The majority of upper cervical spinal injuries are treated non- operatively Spinal cord injury is more commonly associated with subaxial cervical spinal injuries

Fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a seronegative inflammatory disorder that causes autofusion of the spine. These patients have a higher risk of spinal fractures and spinal cord injury than the normal population. Senior advice should be obtained, because application of a cervical collar may be contraindicated, and patients should be managed instead in a position of comfort. Surgical stabilisation is commonly indicated. Summary box 30.6 Cervical spine injuries /uni25CF /uni25CF

Figure 30.31 C5/6 bifacetal dislocation (arrows). The majority of upper cervical spinal injuries are treated non- operatively Spinal cord injury is more commonly associated with subaxial cervical spinal injuries