title: Fractures of the cervical spine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
abstract: Fractures of the cervical spine in six patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis are presented. Three patients had a hyperextension type of injury. These fractures were extremely unstable and combined with spinal cord damage. In the other cases the fracture was caused by a flexion mechanism. These fractures were stable and there was no damage to the spinal cord. Treatment modified according to the demands of the fractures is outlined.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications*