Reumatizam, Vol. 64 No. 1, 2017.
Review article
CERVICAL SPINE FRACTURE IN A PATIENT WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS – A CASE REPORT
Iva Žagar
Nadica Laktašić-Žerjavić1
Helena Kolar Mitrović
Porin Perić
Kristina Potočki
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic infl ammatory rheumatic disease from the group of seronegative spondyloarthropathies
(SpA), which, if untreated, leads to a gradual ascending ossifi cation of the connective structure of the
spine with a complete loss of mobility. In AS the processes of resorption and new bone formation occur at the same
time, and both aff ect the long-term functional status and quality of life of patients. Osteoporotic spinal fractures are a
signifi cant complication of AS, occurring most frequently in the cervical spine. Unlike osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal
osteoporosis, fractures of the spine in AS oft en occur aft er minor trauma, are frequently clinically manifested,
and can have accompanying neurological defi cits. Fractures in AS aff ect not only the vertebral body, but all three
parts of the vertebral column, with consequent instability which requires immobilization or surgical treatment. The mortality of patients with AS aft er fractures of the spine is signifi cantly higher than in the general population, thus
early recognition and adequate care are crucial. With standard radiography only, due to an abundance of new bone
formation, the fractures may be overlooked. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is usually required for diagnosis,
and in unclear cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is of help in the fi nal assessment of the trauma. We present
a patient with AS who suff ered a fracture of the cervical spine aft er a whiplash injury.
Keywords
Spondylitis, ankylosing – complications, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology; Bone remodeling; Bone density; Osteophyte; Osteoporosis – etiology, physiopathology; Spinal fractures – diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery; Cervical vertebrae – diagnostic imaging, injuries, surgery; Tomography, x-ray computed; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha – antagonisti i inhibitori
Hrčak ID:
188323
URI
Publication date:
17.10.2017.
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