Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery]
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Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi · Mar 2004
[Treatment of spinal fractures complicating ankylosing spondylitis].
To study the treatment of spinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis. ⋯ Spinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis are associated with a high rate of neurological injury. Shearing fracture usually occurs at the lower cervical spine (C(5 - 7)) and stress fracture at thoracolumbar spine. Most of the fractures involve three columns of spine. Surgical intervention may be indicated in this injury. Fracture union and neurological improvement can be achieved in most patients treated by operation. We suggest that, fusion and stabilization with instrumentation by anterior approach is indicated in most cervical shearing fracture, and a combined fusion by both sides plus a long posterior instrument is probably beneficial in patients with thoracolumbar stress fracture. Complications is not rare after surgery and appropriate preventive measures are necessary for these patients.