Spinal pseudarthrosis with paraplegia in ankylosing spondylitis. A case report

Destructive lesions of vertebral bodies in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have for a long time been regarded as inflammatory changes, sometimes of tuberculous etiology. However, observations during recent years have established that these destructions in fact are non-unions after fractures. A case of spinal pseudarthrosis with paraplegia in a patient with advanced AS is presented. After combined anterior and posterior decompression as well as fusion using plate fixation, the neurological symptoms regressed completely and early mobilization of the patient was possible.