Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 2093-4378
eISSN 2093-4386
    J Korean Soc Spine Surg. 2007 Sep;14(3):197-200. Korean.
    Published online Sep 30, 2007.
    https://doi.org/10.4184/jkss.2007.14.3.197
    Copyright © 2007 Korean Society of Spine Surgery
    Case Report

    Dens Fracture-Nonunion in Ankylosing Spondylitis - A Case Report -

    Woo-Jin Cho, M.D., Jong-Woo Chae, M.D., Jong-Seon Ryu, M.D., Jae-Ched Park, M.D. and Han Chang, M.D.
      • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun General Hospital, Daejeon, Korea.
    • Address reprint requests to: Han Chang, M.D. Department. of Orthopedic, Sun General Hospital, 10-7 Mok-dong, Joong-gu, Daejeon Korea. Tel: 82-42-220-8150, Fax: 82-42-254-4955, Email: chspine@korea.com

    Abstract

    Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are susceptible to fractures, which usually occur in the cervical spine. However, upper spinal fractures, particularly dens fracture-nonunion complicating ankylosing spondylitis, are quite rare. We encountered one such case. The patient was treated with posterior fusion followed by a halovest, which resulted in good conditions.

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    Preoperative flexion and extension lateral x-ray shows the fracture of dens that is reduced on the position of flexion with ankylosed whole cervical spine.

    Fig. 2
    Preoperative CT definitely shows the fracture of dens at the level of the base.

    Fig. 3
    MRI shows the compressed spinal cord between the fractured dens and the posterior ring of the axis.

    Fig. 4
    Final follow up x-ray shows the well-fused C0-2 level.

    References

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    MeSH Terms
    Humans
    Spinal Fractures
    Spine
    Spondylitis, Ankylosing*
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