Thoracolumbar fracture dislocation sustained during childbirth in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract Background context Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a major subtype of the spondyloarthropathies. Uncoupling of bone formation and resorption along with ectopic ossification of paraspinal soft-tissue structures alters the biomechanics of the spine and leads to an increased susceptibility to fracture. Purpose To report on a thoracolumbar fracture dislocation sustained in a 33-year-old Gravida 2/Para 2 woman, which occurred during labor. Although there are several reports in the literature of thoracolumbar fracture dislocations sustained in patients with AS, none have been reported during childbirth. Study design Case report. Conclusions An elevated suspicion for injury should be maintained when patients with AS present with back or neck pain even without a history of significant trauma.