Retrospective review of 122 spine fractures in 112 consecutive patients with ankylosing spinal disorders (AS or DISH) treated at a level-I trauma center over 7 years. The study characterizes fracture patterns, treatment strategies, and predictors of neurologic outcome, complications, and mortality in this uniquely high-risk population.
When you see any trauma — even a ground-level fall. In a patient with AS or DISH, obtain CT or MRI of the entire spine immediately: 19% of fractures were missed on initial assessment and 81% of those patients suffered neurologic decline.
When you take these patients to the OR, plan for long-segment posterior constructs (minimum 3 levels above and below). No fixation failed with this approach. And counsel patients and families that mortality exceeds 30% overall and climbs to 84% in patients aged 80 or older.
Retrospective review of 122 spine fractures in 112 consecutive patients with ankylosing spinal disorders (AS or DISH) treated at a level-I trauma center over 7 years. The study characterizes fracture patterns, treatment strategies, and predictors of neurologic outcome, complications, and mortality in this uniquely high-risk population.
When you see any trauma — even a ground-level fall. In a patient with AS or DISH, obtain CT or MRI of the entire spine immediately: 19% of fractures were missed on initial assessment and 81% of those patients suffered neurologic decline.
When you take these patients to the OR, plan for long-segment posterior constructs (minimum 3 levels above and below). No fixation failed with this approach. And counsel patients and families that mortality exceeds 30% overall and climbs to 84% in patients aged 80 or older.