BACKGROUND: Spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are extremely unstable and associated with a high complication rate. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the therapy and complications of these fractures in AS for a better understanding and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with 34 traumatic spine fractures were treated from 1981 to 2002. Cause of trauma, fracture site, and neurological examination were assessed. Analyses of the management of the treatment and complications were performed. RESULTS: Banal traumas resulted mostly in spinal fractures at the C 5/6 and C 6/7 level. Two patients were treated conservatively, while the others were stabilized operatively. Before therapy was undertaken, six patients suffered from a cervical radiculopathy, ten patients had an incomplete and two a complete paraplegia. After therapy, neurological status improved in eight patients, but one had a deterioration of neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal or combined dorsoventral stabilization of these fractures is necessary for better mobilization of these patients and to avoid further complications.
BACKGROUND: Spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are extremely unstable and associated with a high complication rate. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the therapy and complications of these fractures in AS for a better understanding and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with 34 traumatic spine fractures were treated from 1981 to 2002. Cause of trauma, fracture site, and neurological examination were assessed. Analyses of the management of the treatment and complications were performed. RESULTS: Banal traumas resulted mostly in spinal fractures at the C 5/6 and C 6/7 level. Two patients were treated conservatively, while the others were stabilized operatively. Before therapy was undertaken, six patients suffered from a cervical radiculopathy, ten patients had an incomplete and two a complete paraplegia. After therapy, neurological status improved in eight patients, but one had a deterioration of neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal or combined dorsoventral stabilization of these fractures is necessary for better mobilization of these patients and to avoid further complications.
Authors: Heiko Koller; Axel Hempfing; Luis Ferraris; Oliver Maier; Wolfgang Hitzl; Peter Metz-Stavenhagen Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2007-06-29 Impact factor: 3.134
Authors: Christoph-E Heyde; Johannes K Fakler; Erik Hasenboehler; Philip F Stahel; Thilo John; Yohan Robinson; Sven K Tschoeke; Ralph Kayser Journal: Patient Saf Surg Date: 2008-06-06
Authors: Felix C Kohler; P Schenk; M Bechstedt-Schimske; B W Ullrich; F Klauke; G O Hofmann; T Mendel Journal: Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg Date: 2021-08-06 Impact factor: 2.374