title: Fatal Isolated Cervical Spine Injury in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report.
abstract: Study Design Case report. Objective The purpose of the present case report was to present a patient with a history of ankylosing spondylitis who sustained a dislocation of C6 on C7 and died soon after his presentation in the emergency room (ER). Methods An 88-year-old man was brought to the ER due to a neck injury secondary to a fall. Imaging of the cervical spine revealed anterior dislocation of C6 on C7 and the characteristic "bamboo" spine of ankylosing spondylitis. Results The patient died within 30 minutes due to respiratory insufficiency. Conclusion Isolated cervical spine injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis can be fatal. A high degree of clinical suspicion, thorough imaging with computed tomography, and meticulous handling are required in this patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Gelalis
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Marios G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Lykissas
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Apostolos A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Dimou
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Dionysios K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Giannoulis
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandros E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Beris
keywords: ankylosing spondylitis; cervical spine; dislocation; respiratory insufficiency