European Spine Journal

, Volume 14, Issue 7, pp 689–693 | Cite as

Lessons learned from cervical pseudoarthrosis in ankylosing spondylitis

Case report
First Online:
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:

Abstract

This case report illustrates three learning points about cervical fractures in ankylosing spondylitis, and it highlights the need to manage these patients with the neck initially stabilised in flexion. We describe a case of cervical pseudoarthrosis that is a rare occurrence after fracture of the cervical spine with ankylosing spondylitis. This went undetected until the development of myelopathic symptoms many months later. The neck was initially stabilised in flexion using tongs, and then slowly extended before anterior and posterior fixation was performed. The myelopathic symptoms resolved, and the patient had a good result at 18 months. We conclude that any increased movement of the spine after trauma in ankylosing spondylitis must be considered suspect and fully investigated.

Keywords

Ankylosing spondylitis Cervical fracture Pseudoarthrosis 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2005

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryRoyal Hampshire County HospitalWinchester, HampshireUK
  2. 2.SouthamptonUK

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