Management of cervical spinal fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis : report of three cases

SummaryThree cervical spinal fractures are presented patients with ankylosing spondylitis. All three fractures have been caused by minor trauma. Of them two were treated by Halo-Vest immobilization and one received a surgical treatment. A close investigative scrutnization is needed to prevent delays in diagnosis. The importance of radiographic studies, decision making on individual basis, treatment indications and results and expected morbidity and mortality rates are discussed. In cases with no neurological deficit and in cases of neurological deficit without epidural hematoma as observed in MRI, skeletal reduction followed by external immobilization by a Halo-vest is recommended.