FRACTURES OF THE VERTEBRAE WITH SPINAL-CORD INJURIES IN PATIENTS WITHANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS - IMAGING FINDINGS

Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic rheumatologic disorder of adults that results in disease-specific inflammation and eventual ossificatio n at the site of ligamentous insertion into bone. The resulting spinal ankylosis causes biomechanical alterations that predispose the patien t to serious spinal injury even in the presence of minor trauma. With the loss of spinal flexibility and increased bone fragility, there is a propensity for vertebral fracture, instability, and increased neurol ogic complications. Illustrative examples of the imaging modalities ar e presented, as they contribute to the detection of fractures and spin al cord injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.