title: Extension type fracture of the ankylotic thoracic spine with gross displacement causing esophageal rupture.
abstract: This study aimed at discussing the relevance of the type B3 fracture of the new AOSpine classification.
  
  
  
  Hyperextension fractures of the spine are rare in the general population, but common in the ankylotic spine. We present a case of a severe spinal fracture with concomitant esophageal rupture, which was diagnosed early and could be treated during the initial trauma care.
  
  
  
  The spinal column was stabilized using a percutaneous technique after which the perforated esophagus was sutured through a thoracotomy. The spinal injury was classified a type B3 fracture using the new AOSpine classification.
  
  
  
  The B3 typification raised a lot of discussion during the development of the new classification system and may be controversial. This case, however, nicely illustrates the relevance of an intact posterior hinge as compared to C-type injuries where complete dissociation is present with inherent spinal cord damage.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Huispostnummer G 05.228, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands. floris_groen@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: F R J
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Groen
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Huispostnummer G 05.228, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Delawi
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Huispostnummer G 05.228, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kruyt
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Huispostnummer G 05.228, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Oner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery
keywords: AOSpine thoracolumbar spine injury classification system; Ankylotic spine; Esophageal rupture; Extension injury; Spine trauma; Surgical treatment