Fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine in ankylosing spondylitis.

In the literature a total of 27 cases of thoracic and lumbar fractures in ankylosing spondylitis have previously been reported in contrast to cervical fractures which are more common. Transvertebral fractures are relatively rare amounting to 8 cases. The majority of the fractures were transdiscal. Here three additional cases with four fractures are reported. Of these fractures two were transvertebral and two transdiscal. All reported fractures are reviewed regarding age, sex, trauma, fracture localization and type, neurologic complications and fracture healing. Compared to cervical fractures there are less neurological complications in thoracic and lumbar fractures (23%) in ankylosing spondylitis. These fractures mostly heal by moderate immobilisation. Attention should be paid to the possibility of fracture in ankylosing spondylitis even after minor trauma.