2018/01/01 by Alastair Beaven, J Fan, Adrian Gardner · 1 voice
Medicine · #Spondyloarthritis Studies and Treatments #Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology #Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis
paper · pdf · doi:10.21767/2471-8173.100045
openalex publication_date 2018/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
We present a case of missed spinal injury in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis that led to severe consequences for the patient. We present a radiograph showing a classic appearance of “bamboo spine”, and subsequent MRI showing a three-column fracture. Bamboo spine occurs when the intervertebral discs ossify; this decreases flexibility and significantly increases the likelihood of spinal fracture with low energy mechanisms of injury. The mechanism of injury in this case was a fall from standing height which ultimately resulted in a severe spinal fracture with paraplegia. The absence of a fracture on radiographs in patients that have ankylosing spondylitis does not eliminate the presence of a fracture, and CT and MRI may well be indicated to confirm that there is no bony injury. We would like to highlight the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for patients who cannot give complete histories. The radiological appearance of bamboo spine should sharpen the clinical judgement of all who encounter it.