CERVICAL SPINE FRACTURE IN A PATIENT WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS – A CASE REPORT
Authors:
Iva Žagar, Nadica Laktašić-Žerjavić, Helena Kolar Mitrović, Porin Perić, Kristina Potočki
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease from the group of seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SpA), which, if untreated, leads to a gradual ascending ossification 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 affect the long-term functional status and quality of life of patients. Osteoporotic spinal fractures are a significant 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 deficits. Fractures in AS affect 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 significantly 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 final assessment of the trauma. We present a patient with AS who suffered a fracture of the cervical spine aft er a whiplash injury.
Sažetak
Vol.: Reumatizam 2017;64(1):22–25