Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2010 , Vol 56 , Num 2

Iatrogenic Cervical Fracture in a Case with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rehabilitation Practices

İlknur Tuğcu 1 ,Bilge Yılmaz 1 ,Kutay Tezel 2 ,Kamil Yazıcıoğlu 3 ,Haydar Möhür 4
1 Gülhane Askeri Tıp Akademisi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Rehabilitasyon Merkezi, Ankara, Türkiye
2 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center, Ankara, Turkey
3 Gülhane Askeri Tıp Akademisi Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Rehabilitasyon Merkezi, Ankara
4 Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey
DOI : 10.4274/tftr.56.88

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the vertebral column and sacroiliac joints. The development of syndesmophytosis in AS leads up to a rigid and bamboo shape spine. Osteoporosis and a rigid spine may be potential risk factors for fractures due to minor traumas in this patient group. In this article, we present a case of iatrogenic C6-7 fracture and dislocation occurred while the patient was being positioned for magnetic resonance imaging study. Health care professionals should be aware of the increased risk of spine injury due to minor traumas in patients with AS. 

Keywords : Ankylosing spondylitis, iatrogenic fracture, cervical fracture, tetraplegia