[Operative management of cervical spine injuries in patients with Bechterew's disease]

Cervical spinal injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis are complex in their nature and management. This condition is associated with a high risk of dislocation and neurological impairment related to osseous instability due to almost absent compensatory mechanisms of the adjacent vertebral segments. Multilevel stabilization and dorsoventral instrumentation is usually required. We report on two patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis who presented at our institute with cervical spine injuries in whom primary treatment had consisted of single-site stabilization which resulted in secondary fracture dislocation and implant failure. Secondary management by combined dorsoventral stabilization resulted in more rigid fixation and uneventful healing in both cases. We recommend careful assessment and well-planned management in these cases.