title: Axis fracture in ankylosing spondylitis: case report.
abstract: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in the slow progressive transformation of the normal spine into a rigid and brittle tube containing the normal neural elements. This pathological condition predisposes the patient to fractures of this structure and a potential for neurological damage greater than that of the normal population. We present a spontaneous fracture of the C1-C2 complex through the base of the dens, with impending neurological deficits in such a patient. We have reviewed the pertinent literature and emphasized several points relative to the management of similar patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurological Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Gartman
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bullitt
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries*; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications*