Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spinal disorders: a systematic review of the literature on treatment, neurological status and complications

The ankylosed spine is prone to fracture after minor trauma due to its changed biomechanical properties. Although many case reports and small series have been published on patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) suffering spine fractures, solid data on clinical outcome are rare. In advanced diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), ossification of spinal ligaments also leads to ankylosis. The prevalence of AS is stable, but since DISH may become more widespread due to its association with age, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to increase the current knowledge on treatment, neurological status and complications of patients with preexisting ankylosed spines sustaining spinal trauma. A literature search was performed to obtain all relevant articles concerning the outcome of patients with AS or DISH admitted with spinal fractures. Predefined parameters were extracted from the papers and pooled to study the effect of treatment on neurological status and complications. Ninety-three articles were included, representing 345 AS patients and 55 DISH patients. Most fractures were localized in the cervical spine and resulted from low energy impact. Delayed diagnosis often occurred due to patient and doctor related factors. On admission 67.2% of the AS patients and 40.0% of the DISH patients demonstrated neurologic deficits, while secondary neurological deterioration occurred frequently. Surgical or nonoperative treatment did not alter the neurological prospective for most patients. The complication rate was 51.1% in AS patients and 32.7% in DISH patients. The overall mortality within 3 months after injury was 17.7% in AS and 20.0% in DISH. This review suggests that the clinical outcome of patients with fractures in previously ankylosed spines, due to AS or DISH, is considerably worse compared to the general trauma population. Considering the potential increase in prevalence of DISH cases, this condition may render a new challenge for physicians treating spinal injuries.     

强直性脊柱炎脊柱骨折的特点及诊断

目的：探讨强直性脊柱炎脊柱骨折的特点，为其临床诊断与治疗提供参考。方法：回顾性分析1994年1月～2001年10月收治的19例强直性脊柱炎脊柱骨折病例。结果：所有19例患者均符合强直性脊柱炎的诊断标准，其中17例骨折前有平均20．6年的强直性脊柱炎病史，另2例方确诊有强直性脊柱炎。19例中15例有外伤史，其中9例为平地跌倒或扭伤，另4例无外伤史。损伤机制：过伸伤7例，垂直挤压伤2例，侧屈损伤l例，屈曲伤1例，4例不详。颈椎骨折11例，9例发生在C5～C7；包括剪力骨折lO例，应力骨折1例。胸腰椎骨折8例，7例为应力骨折，均发生在T10～L2，1例为L3剪力骨折。19例中经椎间隙骨折12例，经椎体骨折7例。三柱骨折16例，骨折伴脱位5例。9例并发脊髓损伤，其中8例为颈椎骨折。外伤至诊断为骨折的间隔时间为10h～7个月，平均29．6d。2例曾被误诊为脊柱结核。结论：导致强直性脊柱炎患者发生脊柱骨折的外力往往较轻。损伤机制多为过伸伤。骨折好发于下颈椎及胸腰段。剪力骨折多发生在颈椎，大多为三柱骨折，容易伴发脱位，脊髓损伤的发生率较高；应力骨折多发生在胸腰段，脊髓损伤不多见。此类骨折多为经椎间隙骨折，易发生诊断延误。     

Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Thirty-one consecutive patients with ankylosing spondylitis and spinal fractures were reviewed. There were 6 women and 25 men with a mean age of 60±11 years; 19 had cervical and 12 had thoracolumbar injuries. Of the patients with cervical fracture, two had an additional cervical fracture and one had an additional thoracic fracture. Three trauma mechanisms were identified: high-energy trauma in 13 patients, low-energy trauma in 13 and insufficiency fracture in 5. One-third of the patients suffered immediate neurological impairment, a further one-third developed neurological impairment before coming for treatment and only one-third remained intact. Two patients with thoracolumbar fractures had deteriorated neurologically due to displacements during surgery at other hospitals. All patients were treated operatively except the two patients with two-level cervical fractures, who were managed in halo vests. In the cervical spine both anterior and posterior approaches were employed. In the thoracolumbar spine the majority of the patients were initially treated using a posterior approach only. Complications were common. Of the 27 patients with neurological compromise, 10 had remained unchanged; 12 had improved one Frankel grade; 4 had improved by two Frankel grades; 1 had improved by four Frankel grades. We conclude that even minor trauma can cause fracture in an ankylosed spine. A high proportion of patients with spinal fractures and ankylosing spondylitis have neurological damage. The risk of late neurological deterioration is substantial. As the condition is very rare and the treatment is demanding and associated with a very high risk of complications, the treatment of these patients should be centralised in special spinal trauma units. A combined approach that stabilises the spine from both sides is probably beneficial.     

Cervical spine fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: Importance of early management

IntroductionAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) affects 0.5% of the population. Alteration of the biomechanical properties of the spine related to AS explains the high prevalence of traumatic vertebral fractures and risk of instability. At admission, 65% of patients present neurological signs. There are no reported studies regarding secondary neurological deterioration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of secondary neurological deterioration before surgical treatment of spine fracture in a context of AS.MethodsThis retrospective cases series consisted of patients admitted for traumatic cervical spine fractures or luxation in a context of AS between June 2007 and December 2012. Clinical status was evaluated using Frankel classification at time of trauma, at admission to the neurosurgery ward, as well as before and after surgery. Delay between trauma and admission, and between admission and surgery was recorded. Causes of morbidity, mortality and surgical management were discussed.ResultsDuring the study period, seven patients were admitted for traumatic cervical spine fracture or luxation. All patients were autonomous before trauma. Between trauma and transfer to neurosurgery ward, the status of four patients worsened. Mean delay between trauma and admission was 12.9 days (range 1 to 60 days). Between admission to neurosurgery ward and surgical treatment, two more patients worsened and only two patients remained autonomous. Mean delay between admission and surgery was 15.7 h (range 2 to 24 h). Neurological deterioration was due to both deterioration during transfer despite immobilization with a rigid cervical collar and failure of X-ray to reveal any fractures, in two and three cases respectively. After surgery, clinical status remained unchanged in two patients, four patients improved, and one patient worsened. Two patients died from respiratory failure a few days after surgery due to neurological deterioration. Five patients had a delayed diagnosis (> 24 h).ConclusionCervical spine fracture in AS is a serious condition with high instability. Our series emphasizes the necessity of early surgical treatment because of risk of secondary neurological deterioration in cases of delayed treatment. CT scan must be the gold standard for exploration of these patients.     

Displacement of the spinolaminar line--a sign of value in fractures of the upper cervical spine.

The spinolaminar line is an important anatomical landmark easily visualized on the lateral radiograph of the cervical spine. Any displacement in this line may be an indication of subtle traumatic vertebral damage. This is particularly relevant to the upper cervical spine in which the complex anatomy and frequent absence of associated neurological deficit make diagnosis difficult. Two case histories are presented which emphasize the importance of evaluation of the spinolaminar line on the lateral radiograph after trauma to the head and neck.     

Delayed presentation and diagnosis of cervical spine injuries in long-standing ankylosing spondylitis

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are vulnerable to cervical spine fractures. Long-standing pain may mask the symptoms of the fracture. Radiological imaging of the cervical spine may fail to identify the fracture due to the distorted anatomy, ossified ligaments and artefacts leading to delay in diagnosis and increased risk of neurological complications. The objectives are to identify the incidence and risk factors for delay in presentation of cervical spine fractures in patients with AS. Retrospective case series study of all patients with AS and cervical spine fracture admitted over a 12-year period at Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Scotland. Results show that total of 32 patients reviewed with AS and cervical spine fractures. In 19 patients (59.4%), a fracture was not identified on plain radiographs. Only five patients (15.6%) presented immediately after the injury. Of the 15 patients (46.9%) who were initially neurologically intact, three patients had neurological deterioration before admission. Cervical spine fractures in patients with long-standing AS are common and usually under evaluated. Early diagnosis with appropriate radiological investigations may prevent the possible long-term neurological cord damage.     

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma presenting with hemiparesis following neck extension: a case report

A 42-year-old woman suddenly developed weakness in her left extremities when stretching her neck two days after the onset of a nuchal pain. Because computed tomography (CT) of the brain did not show any apparent lesion, the patient had initially been treated as having a cerebral infarction until magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine revealed a presence of a cervical epidural hematoma the next day. She was therefore transferred to our hospital, and a neurological examination showed moderate left hemiparesis, dissociated sensory loss under C6 on the right side, urinary incontinence, and left miosis and ptosis. A CT of the cervical spine demonstrated an anteriorly located left-sided epidural hematoma extending from C4 to C7. The T2-weighted MRI revealed hyperintense lesions around the gray matter on the left side that were compressed by the epidural hematoma. The patient underwent an emergent laminoplasty from C3 to C7. Although her neurological signs were consistent with Brown-Sequard syndrome, which was associated with left-sided Homer's sign, they gradually and completely subsided following surgery. The authors therefore emphasize that cervical lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with acute onset of hemiparesis.     

Post-traumatic cervical spine epidural hematoma: Incidence and risk factors

BackgroundThe incidence and risk factors for post-traumatic cervical epidural hematoma are not well described in the current literature. Our aim was to determine the incidence and associated risk factors for post-traumatic cervical spine epidural hematoma (SEH).MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of our institution’s prospectively collected data submitted to the state trauma registry, using ICD-9 codes, for all patients activated as a trauma with cervical spine injuries, between the years 2010 and 2014. Patients with MRI available were classified based on the presence of cervical epidural hematoma (CEH) or no hematoma (NEH). For our second analysis, we classified patients with cord compression associated with an epidural hematoma (CC) and no cord compression (NCC). Potential risk factors evaluated included: INR, PTT, albumin and platelets levels, radiographic findings of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and ISS. No conflicts of interest exist and/or funding was used for this study.Results497 out of 1810 trauma activations met our inclusion criteria. 46 patients (2.5%) were found to have a post-traumatic cervical SEH (CEH). Of the CEH cohort, 76% were male, with 72% Caucasian, and a mean age of 55 years. 27 patients (5.4%) were found to have cervical cord compression at the level of the SEH. Of the CC arm, 78% were male, with 67% Caucasian, and a mean age of 56 years. A higher ISS and an elevated INR were found to be associated with epidural hematoma causing cord compression.ConclusionsAn incidence of 2.5% is reported for post-traumatic cervical spine epidural hematoma. Of these, 59% had associated spinal cord compression. Patients with a higher ISS and elevated INR levels are at a higher risk for developing this potentially devastating.     

Traumatic epidural hematoma of the cervical spine: diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging. Case report

A traumatic epidural hematoma of the cervical spine is reported in a 13-year-old girl. The patient recovered spontaneously over several days without surgical intervention. The diagnosis was made on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which also demonstrated subsequent resolution of the hematoma. The etiological factors of spinal epidural hematomas are reviewed and the utility of MR imaging in differentiating other causes of acute spinal cord injury is emphasized.     

Ankylosing spondylitis. Therapy and complications of 34 spine fractures]

BACKGROUND: Spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are extremely unstable and associated with a high complication rate. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the therapy and complications of these fractures in AS for a better understanding and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with 34 traumatic spine fractures were treated from 1981 to 2002. Cause of trauma, fracture site, and neurological examination were assessed. Analyses of the management of the treatment and complications were performed. RESULTS: Banal traumas resulted mostly in spinal fractures at the C 5/6 and C 6/7 level. Two patients were treated conservatively, while the others were stabilized operatively. Before therapy was undertaken, six patients suffered from a cervical radiculopathy, ten patients had an incomplete and two a complete paraplegia. After therapy, neurological status improved in eight patients, but one had a deterioration of neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal or combined dorsoventral stabilization of these fractures is necessary for better mobilization of these patients and to avoid further complications.     

强直性脊柱炎合并胸腰椎骨折的临床分析

目的：总结强直性脊柱炎合并胸腰椎骨折的临床特点,避免诊断延误。方法：回顾性分析自2005年4月至2007年6月收治的5例强直性脊柱炎合并胸腰椎骨折病例,男4例,女1例;年龄26～72岁,平均44．8岁。分析内容包括：病史、骨性融合椎体数、骨折特点、风湿活动状态等。结果：强直性脊柱炎患病史平均22．6年。骨性融合椎体数平均18．2节。1例为自驾车交通事故,1例有扭伤史,3例无外伤史为应力骨折。2例合并椎体骨折：骨折线分别经T6、T7或L1椎体;3例合并椎间隙骨折：2例骨折线经L1,2椎间隙,1例骨折线经L2,3椎间隙。未见压缩骨折及脊髓或马尾神经损伤。4例血沉及C-反应蛋白等急性炎症指标与疼痛程度不相称。非甾体抗炎药均无明显止痛效果。在外院均误诊为强直性脊柱炎“复发”,平均延误1．51个月。结论：①骨折好发于强直性脊柱炎中晚期胸腰椎广泛骨性融合者;②好发于下部胸椎和上部腰椎,且多为应力骨折;③可以为合并椎体骨折或椎间隙骨折;④易误认为强直性脊柱炎“复发”而发生误诊、漏诊;⑤中晚期强直性脊柱炎患者腰背痛突然加剧,疼痛程度与急性炎症指标不相称,非甾体抗炎药甚至皮质类固醇疗效欠佳,应考虑到胸腰椎骨折可能。     

Spinal trauma in DISH and AS: is MRI essential following the detection of vertebral fractures on CT?

BACKGROUNDBoth ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) cause a rigid spine, but through different pathophysiology. Recent data has shown that characteristic fracture patterns may also differ following trauma since the posterior osseous and soft tissue elements are often spared in DISH. CT and MRI are important in diagnosing spine injury, but given the differences between AS and DISH, the utility of obtaining both studies in all patients warrants scrutiny.PURPOSETo assess the prevalence of posterior element injury on CT and MRI in DISH and AS patients with known vertebral body injury detected on CT; to determine whether MRI demonstrates additional injuries in neurologically intact patients presumed to have isolated vertebral body injuries on CT.STUDY DESIGNMulticenter, retrospective, case-control study.PATIENT SAMPLEDISH and AS patients presenting after spine trauma between 2007 and 2017.OUTCOME MEASURESReview of CT and MRI findings at the time of presentation.METHODSOne hundred sixty DISH and 85 AS patients presenting after spine trauma were identified from 2 affiliated academic hospitals serving as level 1 trauma and tertiary referral centers. A diagnosis of DISH or AS was verified by a board-certified emergency radiologist with 3 years of experience. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, fracture type, spine CT and MRI imaging findings, surgical intervention, and neurologic deficit were recorded. The CT and MRI studies were reviewed by the same radiologist for fracture location and type using the AO spine classification. No funding source or conflict of interest was present.RESULTSMedian age was 72 and 79 years old for the AS and DISH groups, respectively. Both were predominantly male (81%) and most presented after a low energy mechanism of injury (74% and 73%). Type C AO spine injuries were seen in 52% of AS patients but only 4% of DISH patients. In patients with known vertebral body injury on CT, additional injury to the posterior elements on CT or MRI in DISH patients was 51% versus 92% in AS patients. However, in patients with an isolated vertebral body fracture on CT and no neurological deficit, MRI identified posterior element injury in only 4/22 (18%) DISH patients compared to 5 of 7 (71%) AS patients. None of the MRI findings in the DISH patients were considered clinically important while all 5 AS patients eventually underwent operative treatment despite having no neurological deficit. Epidural hematoma on MRI was seen in 43% of AS patients as opposed to 5% of DISH patients.CONCLUSIONBased on our small sample size, CT alone may be adequate in DISH patients with isolated vertebral body fractures and no neurologic deficit, but an additional MRI should be considered in the presence of an unclear neurological exam or deficit. MRI should be strongly considered for any AS patient regardless of neurologic status.     

Late esophageal perforation complicating anterior cervical plate fixation in ankylosing spondylitis: a case report and review of the literature

Esophageal perforation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare complication in anterior cervical spine surgery and has not been reported before. A 50-year-old patient with AS developed incomplete tetraplegia after minimal trauma. C5 pedicle fracture was diagnosed and treated predominantly by physical therapy until neurological symptoms progressed. Cervical spine MRI showed C6/7 fracture and spinal cord compression. The patient underwent dorsal laminectomy, C5–7 anterior cervical fusion using allograft iliac crest and CASPAR-plate fixation. Delayed esophageal perforation appeared 10 months postoperatively when he came first to our hospital. He complained of dysphagia and developed acute dyspnea. Posterior stabilization with two plates was performed followed by removal of the ventral plate and screws. The esophageal laceration was sutured. The patient was treated with antibiotics and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Position of fracture and implants were accurate at 18 months postoperatively. The patient had persistent minor neurological deficits (Frankel D) at last follow-up. We conclude that esophageal perforation after anterior spinal fusion is a rare complication. Minor traumas in patients with AS are unstable and can result in significant spinal injury. Dorsoventral stabilization should be performed to avoid further complications.     

Epidural hematoma after immobilization of a "hangman's" fracture: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Neurologic deterioration after immobilization of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis rarely occurs because of the decompressive nature of the injury itself and the large amount of space available for the cord in the upper cervical spine. PURPOSE: To document neurologic deterioration after reduction (without the use of traction) and halo immobilization of a Type IIA traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis (hangman's fracture) secondary to an epidural hematoma. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Case report. PATIENT SAMPLE AND OUTCOME MEASURES: The patient population consisted of one patient; no outcome measures were used. METHODS: The medical record and radiographic studies of a 27-year-old patient involved in a motor vehicle crash that resulted in a traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis were retrospectively reviewed, and a review of the English literature was performed. RESULTS: Upon evaluation, the patient was found to have, in addition to other injuries, a Type IIA hangman's fracture of the C2 vertebra, which was stabilized in a halo. Shortly thereafter, the patient developed a gradual progressive neurologic deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a large epidural hematoma with cord compression treated with posterior laminectomy and transdural decompression of an anterior hematoma. Postoperatively, the patient's neurologic examination improved and returned to normal within 6 months. CONCLUSION: An epidural hematoma can occur after traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis, but its symptoms may not present until after the spondylolisthesis is treated.     

Cervical extradural hematoma revealing hemophilia

BACKGROUND: Neurological hemorrhagic complications are unusual in hemophiliacs. Extradural hematoma is an exception, particularly at the cervical level. Less than 10 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a new case which was the inaugural sign of hemophilia A. CASE REPORT: Moderate hemophilia A was revealed by post-traumatic cervical extradural hematoma in a 12-year-old boy. Pain in the cervical spine and progressive tetraplegia led to the diagnosis, confirmed by cervical CT scan. The dissonance between the injury and the minor trauma led to hemostasis exploration which revealed factor VIII at 3%. After prompt correction of the deficiency, total laminectomy allow removal of the hematoma. The neurological course was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: We stress the specific character of this association and the previously unreported mode of hemophilia disclosure. CT scan and MRI facilitate diagnosis allowing satisfactory course after emergency decompressive laminectomy.     

颈僵硬畸形的强直性脊柱炎患者并颈椎骨折脱位的手术入路选择

目的：探讨颈椎已僵硬畸形的强直性脊柱炎患者合并外伤性颈椎骨折脱位的合理手术入路.方法：回顾分析2000年3月至2004年3月收治的12例颈椎强直性脊柱炎合并外伤性颈椎骨折脱位患者的临床资料.10例合并不完全性瘫痪,1例完全性瘫痪.3例行前路手术未能纠正脱位而行椎体次全切除减压植骨融合钢板内固定;2例先行前路手术,发现无法复位而立即改为后路手术完成复位、固定后再经前路减压、融合;另7例均先经后路完成脱位复位、侧块固定融合,然后再经前路行减压融合.结果：3例仅行前路内固定者于术后第3～7天发现钢板松动移位,行后路翻修术,通过后路完成了复位固定;9例先行后路手术再行前路融合者均顺利完成脱位复位及固定融合.随访3个月～4年,10例不完全性瘫痪患者2例恢复到伤前水平,8例恢复部分功能;1例完全性瘫痪者术后半年无改善,死于并发症.结论：对于颈椎已发生僵硬畸形的强直性脊柱炎患者发生外伤性骨折脱位时应先经后路复位固定融合,然后再一期行前路减压和植骨融合.     

Combined injuries in the upper cervical spine: clinical and epidemiological data over a 14-year period

Concomitant traumatic injuries in the upper cervical spine are often encountered and rarely reported. We examined the data concerning 784 patients with cervical spine injuries following trauma, including 116 patients with upper cervical spine injuries. Twenty-six percent of patients with upper cervical spine injuries (31 cases) were found to have combined injuries involving either the upper or the upper and lower cervical spine. The frequent patterns were combined type I bipedicular fracture of the axis and dens fracture, and combined dens fracture and fracture of the posterior arch of C1. Other patterns posed specific problems, such as combined dens and Jefferson fracture and combined dens and C2 articular pillar fracture. Seventy percent of atlas fractures, 30% of C2 traumatic spondylolistheses and 30% of dens fractures were part of a combination. A total of 1.7% of patients with lower cervical spine injuries had a combined injury in the upper cervical spine. A comprehensive therapeutic schedule is outlined. Combined injuries in the upper cervical spine should be sought in any patient with a cervical spine injury. Received: 11 October 1999/Revised: 12 February 2000/Accepted: 1 March 2000     

胸椎手术后急性硬脊膜外血肿

 目的 探讨胸椎手术后急性硬脊膜外血肿的形成原因、血肿压迫时间对脊髓神经功能的影响及预防措施。方法 回顾性分析2002年5月至2012年5月经手术证实的胸椎后路手术后发生急性硬脊膜外血肿致神经功能障碍的14例患者资料,男6例,女8例;年龄41～69岁,平均61.2岁;胸椎管狭窄症10例,胸椎管内脊膜瘤3例,胸椎转移瘤1例;胸椎后路手术后3～14 h,平均6.6 h,患者脊髓神经功能出现恶化,ASIA分级A级5例,B级9例。对比血肿清除前、后以及随访时患者神经功能评分及神经功能恢复率。分析神经功能恢复率与血肿压迫时间及血肿清除前神经功能的关系。结果 14例患者血肿清除后AISA分级为：B级1例,C级2例,D级4例,E级7例。其中B、C级3例患者血肿压迫时间均 ＞10 h。血肿清除前、后神经功能比较差异有统计学意义,血肿清除后神经功能恢复率为63.7%±23.3%,与血肿压迫时间呈负相关,与血肿清除前神经功能呈正相关。血肿清除前神经功能与随访神经功能比较差异有统计学意义,随访神经功能恢复率为86.97%±17.58%,与血肿压迫时间呈负相关,与血肿清除术前神经功能呈正相关。结论 胸椎术后急性硬脊膜外血肿可致脊髓神经功能严重损害。脊髓神经功能恢复与血肿压迫时间有直接关系。早期诊断并清除血肿压迫是挽救脊髓功能的关键。     

Verzögerte Diagnose einer Odontoidfraktur nach Schleudertrauma der Halswirbelsäule

Fractures of the odontoid process represent about 10-20% of all diagnosed cervical spine fractures. Approximately 35% of these fractures are classified as Type II according to Anderson and D'Alonzo. They can be potentially unstable especially if combined with a dens displacement of over 6 mm. In severe cervical spine trauma, these fractures do not usually cause difficulties in diagnosis. However, in whiplash injuries, which are very common and only rarely associated with such fractures, the surgical management can be complicated if they are underestimated. These patients can present without significant neurological deficits or the situation can be complicated due to intoxication or additional trauma. Under these circumstances in particular, the diagnosis can be delayed or missed, if no strict protocols for diagnostic effort in all whiplash injuries are employed. A case of delayed diagnosis of an odontoid fracture in a neurological asymptomatic patient after whiplash injury is presented.     

A case of psoriatic arthropathy complicated with spinal fracture and epidural hematoma

A 78-year-old man with psoriatic arthropathy complicated with traumatic spinal fracture and epidural hematoma is reported. He had fallen down the stairs. On admission one hour after injury, he developed an incomplete C6 quadriparesis. CT revealed a C6-7 fracture and dislocation on sagittal reconstruction. MR imaging disclosed the compression of the spinal cord between the posterior margin of the vertebral body and an epidural hematoma. The patient had had the skin lesion, psoriasis vulgaris, for about 20 years and been previously treated for uveitis. Serological tests for rheumatoid factor and HLA B-27 were negative. Emergent laminectomy and evacuation of the epidural hematoma were carried out because of progressive neurological deterioration. Osteoporotic laminar bone and ossified yellow ligament were observed to have been fractured. Conservative therapy was selected for spinal instability. Although a respiratory complication occurred postoperatively, he was transferred to the rehabilitation facility in an improved neurological condition.