[Extension-distraction injury of the lumbar spine in Bechterew's disease]

Back-pain following trauma of the vertebral column in patients suffering from Bechterew's disease should be examined carefully. Instable spine fractures in those patients are recommended to be treated surgically to avoid the specific risks of long-time immobilisation. Further on surgical therapy eventually allows an intraoperative correction of the kyphosis angle. Due to the particular pathological alterations of the spine in Bechterew's disease a long-distance intervertebral fusion will usually be necessary. Therefore, internal stabilisation is proposed as therapy of choice.