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Thoracolumbar fracture dislocation sustained during childbirth in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis
Robert E Mayle1, Ivan Cheng, Eugene J Carragee
1Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA 94305-2200, USA. robmayle@gmail.com
Background Context:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a major subtype of the spondyloarthropathies. Uncoupling of bone formation and resorption along with ectopic ossification of paraspinal soft-tissue structures alters the biomechanics of the spine and leads to an increased susceptibility to fracture.
Purpose:
To report on a thoracolumbar fracture dislocation sustained in a 33-year-old Gravida 2/Para 2 woman, which occurred during labor. Although there are several reports in the literature of thoracolumbar fracture dislocations sustained in patients with AS, none have been reported during childbirth.
Study Design:
Case report.
Conclusions:
An elevated suspicion for injury should be maintained when patients with AS present with back or neck pain even without a history of significant trauma.
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