Fracture-dislocation of the ankylosed thoracic spine

A patient with a fracture of an ankylosed thoracic spine was treated initially along conservative lines. Subsequently the fracture displaced, causing paraplegia. Internal fixation proved difficult but stability was obtained by wiring two Sherman plates to the posterior elements. This succeeded in holding the fracture until the death of the patient 13 days post-operatively. The difficulties in the management of these fractures are discussed.