Outcome of Halo Immobilisation of 104 Cases of Cervical Spine Injury

Outcomes after application of halothoracic orthosis for cervical spine trauma

BACKGROUND

Cervical spine fractures can be managed operatively or nonoperatively, considering injury type and patient factors. Nonoperative management may include application of a halothoracic orthosis (HTO). The aim of our study was to describe our patients managed with HTO, review their 6-month and 12-month outcomes, and identify associated factors.

METHODS

Patients fitted with an HTO at our institution in 2014 were included. Data collected included patient demographics, hospital-related data, and radiological union. Injury detail and 6-month and 12-month patient-reported outcomes (Glasgow Outcomes Scale Extended and return to work [RTW]) were accessed through Victorian Orthopedic Trauma Outcomes Registry. Factors related to these outcomes were included in a mixed-effect regression model for each outcome.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients (median age 46.5 years) of whom 52 (60%) were male individuals were included. Two-thirds (57 patients) were road trauma patients, and 58 patients (67%) experienced an isolated injury. Thirty-seven patients (43%) experienced a C2 fracture and 27 (31%) experienced a facet fracture. Twelve-month follow-up was completed for 78 patients (91%) with 27 (35%) reporting a good recovery, and 65% (31/48) patients returned to work. Factors associated with lower odds of RTW included compensation, a facet joint fracture, and experiencing comorbidities. No factors were significantly associated with functional outcome, although female individuals exhibited a slower recovery trajectory than male individuals.

CONCLUSION

Many patients reported poor 12-month outcomes after HTO for traumatic injury. Factors associated with worse outcomes should be considered when deciding on management of patients with cervical spine fractures.

Nano and micro biomechanical analyses of the nucleus pulposus after in situ immobilization in rats

Immobilization can lead to intervertebral disc degeneration. The biomechanical characteristics of such discs have not so far been investigated at the micro- or nanoscale, the level at which cells sense and respond to the surrounding environment. This study aimed to characterize changes in the elastic modulus of the collagen fibrils in the nucleus pulposus at the nanoscale and correlate this with micro-biomechanical properties of the nucleus pulposus after immobilization, in addition to observation of tissue histology and its gene expressions. An immobilization system was used on the rat tail with an external fixation device. The elastic modulus was measured using both nano and micro probes for atomic force microscopy after 4 and 8 weeks of immobilization. Histology of the tissue was observed following hematoxylin and eosin staining. Gene expression in the annulus fibrosus tissue was quantified using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The elastic modulus of the collagen fibrils in the nucleus pulposus at the nanoscale increased from 74.07 ± 17.06 MPa in the control to 90.06 ± 25.51 MPa after 8 weeks (P = 0.007), and from 33.51 ± 9.33 kPa to 43.18 ± 12.08 kPa at the microscale (P = 0.002). After immobilization for 8 weeks, a greater number of cells were observed by histology to be aggregated within the nucleus pulposus. Collagen II (P = 0.007) and aggrecan (P = 0.003) gene expression were downregulated whereas collagen I (P = 0.002), MMP-3 (P < 0.001), MMP-13 (P < 0.001) and ADAMTs-4 (P < 0.001) were upregulated. Immobilization not only influenced individual collagen fibrils at the nanoscale, but also altered the micro-biomechanics and cell response in the nucleus pulposus. These results suggest that significant changes occur in intervertebral discs at both scales after immobilization, a situation about which clinicians should be aware when immobilization has to be used clinically.

Nano and micro biomechanical alterations of annulus fibrosus after in situ immobilization revealed by atomic force microscopy

Annulus fibrosus is critical to bear loads and resist fluid flow in the intervertebral disc. However, the detailed biomechanical mechanism of annulus fibrosus under abnormal loading is still ambiguous, especially at the micro and nano scales. This study aims to characterize the alterations of modulus at the nano scale of individual collagen fibrils in annulus fibrosus after in-situ immobilization, and the corresponding micro-biomechanics of annulus fibrosus. An immobilization model was used on the rat tail with an external fixation device. The elastic modulus of annulus fibrosus at both the nano- and micro-scale was examined using atomic force microscopy after fixation for 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. The fibrils in inner layer showed an alteration in elastic modulus from 91.38 ± 20.19 MPa in the intact annulus fibrosus to 110.64 ± 15.58 MPa (p < 0.001) at the nano scale after immobilization for 8 weeks, while the corresponding modulus at the micro scale also underwent a change from 0.33 ± 0.04 MPa to 0.47 ± 0.04 MPa (p < 0.001). The fibril disorder after immobilization was observed by hematoxylin/eosin staining. The gene expression of annulus fibrosus was also measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, which showed the upregulation of collagen II (p = 0.003) after immobilization. The results indicated that the immobilization not only influenced the individual fibril at the nanoscale, but also the micro-biomechanical property of annulus fibrosus which is critical to define the cell response to surrounding biomechanical environment. These alterations may also lead to the change in the mechanical property of the whole disc and the load-bearing function. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1-7, 2018.

Intervertebral disc degeneration induced by long-segment in-situ immobilization: a macro, micro, and nanoscale analysis

Background

Cervical spine fixation or immobilization has become a routine treatment for spinal fracture, dislocation, subluxation injuries, or spondylosis. The effects of immobilization of intervertebral discs of the cervical spine is unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-segment in-situ immobilization of intervertebral discs of the caudal vertebra, thereby simulating human cervical spine immobilization.

Methods

Thirty-five fully grown, male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Rats were randomly assigned to one of five groups: Group A, which served as controls, and Groups B, C, D, and E, in which the caudal vertebrae were in-situ immobilized using a custom-made external device that fixed four caudal vertebrae (Co7-Co10). After 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks of in-situ immobilization, the caudal vertebrae were harvested, and the disc height, the T2 signal intensity of the discs, disc morphology, the gene expression of discs, and the structure and the elastic modulus of discs was measured.

Results

The intervertebral disc height progressively decreased, starting at the 6th week. At week 6 and week 8, disc degeneration was classified as grade III, according to the modified Pfirrmann grading system criteria. Long-segment immobilization altered the gene expression of discs. The nucleus pulposus showed a typical cell cluster phenomenon over time. The annulus fibrosus inner layer began to appear disordered with fissure formation. The elastic modulus of collagen fibrils within the nucleus pulposus was significantly decreased in rats in group E compared to rats in group A (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the elastic modulus within the annulus was significantly increased in rats in group E compared to rats in group A (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Long-segment in-situ immobilization caused target disc degeneration, and positively correlated with fixation time. The degeneration was not only associated with changes at the macroscale and microscale, but also indicated changes in collagen fibrils at the nanoscale. Long-segment immobilization of the spine (cervical spine) does not seem to be an innocuous strategy for the treatment of spine-related diseases and may be a predisposing factor in the development of the symptomatic spine.

Fractures in Spinal Ankylosing Disorders: A Narrative Review of Disease and Injury Types, Treatment Techniques, and Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Spinal ankylosing disorders encompass ankylosing spondylitis (AS), disseminated hyperostosis of the spine, and end-stage spondylosis. All these result in a stiffened and frequently deformed spinal column. This makes the spinal column highly susceptible to severe injuries that are commonly associated with unfavorable outcomes. Improved understanding of the underlying disease processes and clinical comorbidities may alter the poor injury related morbidity and mortality outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases was performed using the following key words to identify articles published between 2001 and 2016: "ankylosing spondylitis," "epidemiology," "DISH," "treatment," "outcome," and/or "fracture." Articles were read for data on methodology (retrospective vs. prospective), type of treatment, number of patients, mean patient age, and mean follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-one identified articles were analyzed. Average age was 63.4 years. Most patients were men. Ground level fall or low energy trauma caused most injuries. Diagnosis was delayed in 15%-41% cases. Hyperextension fracture patterns were most common. Cervical spine fractures were more common than thoracolumbar fractures, with the highest prevalence between C5 and C7. Neurologic deficits were encountered in 21%-100% of patients. Operative fixation and fusion were performed in 40%-100% of patients. Mortality was reported between 0% and 32% at 1 year postinjury. Complications were encountered in 84% of patients, mostly in the form of pneumonia, respiratory failure, and pseudoarthrosis. Neurologic deterioration has been reported in 16% of patients. Fusion was successful in 87%-100% of patients. Neurologic deficits improved in function in 6%-66% at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the stiffening of the spinal column, patients with spinal ankylosing disorders are preferably evaluated for spinal fractures and ligamentous injuries after even trivial trauma. Spinal injuries in patients with AS are difficult to diagnose on plain radiographs; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are recommended instead. The entire spine should be scanned for multilevel involvement. Although osteoporosis makes fixation of spine implants a significant concern, the literature has reported that most patients with AS treated surgically had good outcomes. Numerous studies have reported risks associated with conservative management.

Costochondral Graft as Interpositional material for TMJ Ankylosis in Children: A Clinical Study

ABSTRACT

TMJ ankylosis is one of the most disruptive anomaly that affects the masticatory system. The inability to move the mandible has significant functional ramification, such as the inability to eat a normal diet. Additionally, speech is affected, making it difficult for some individuals to communicate and express themselves to others. As there are several biologic and anatomic similarities to the mandibular condyles, autogenous costochondral grafts have been considered to be the most acceptable tissue for temporomandibular joint reconstruction. In addition donor site complications are infrequent and regeneration of the rib usually occurs within a year post operatively in children.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of costochondral grafts to replace the mandibular condyles and to assess the position, growth, overgrowth, function, success, failure and resorption of costochondral grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten TMJ ankylosis patients were operated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly. Out of the 10 cases 6 were male patients and 4 female patients in age group of ≤14 years; of which 8 patients were of unilateral TMJ ankylosis and 2 were of bilateral TMJ ankylosis. All ten patients underwent interpositional gap arthroplasty with reconstruction of the condyle by costochondral graft.

RESULTS

All patients with costochondral grafts had improved mandibular symmetry and growth with adequate mouth opening.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that using costochondral grafts to reconstruct TMJ ankylosis in children provides a good result.

A retrospective study of treating thoracolumbar spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis

Spinal fractures are commonly encountered in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. This study compares the outcome of early surgical treatment with initial conservative treatment for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with AS. From 1996 to 2008, 28 patients with AS were treated either operatively or conservatively for thoracolumbar fractures; however, only 25 patients met the inclusion criteria with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. For surgically treated patients, posterior spinal instrumentation was performed using a transpedicle screw system. Nonsurgically treated patients wore a fracture brace. The demographic data, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, and neurological status were recorded, and fracture healing was assessed radiographically. The mean age was 54.2 ± 13.8 years (range 30-80 years). Six patients (Group A) received surgical intervention within 1 month. All of these fractures healed, and two of five patients showed neurologic improvement after surgery. Eight patients (Group B) had fractures that were missed. The delay in diagnosis resulted in pseudoarthrosis in all cases, and progressive neurologic deficits were identified in four cases. Eleven patients (Group C) received conservative treatment with bracing. Fracture union was achieved in three cases, and pseudoarthrosis occurred in eight cases. Operative treatment can achieve solid fusion and improve the neurological status, while conservative treatment may result in pseudoarthrosis and progressive neurologic deficit. The results suggest that AS patients with unstable spinal fractures should receive early surgical management to prevent further sequelae.

Halo vest treatment of cervical spine injuries: a success and survivorship analysis

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of a consecutive series of traumatic cervical spine injuries treated with halo vest immobilization (HVI) over an 8-year period at a level 1 trauma center.

OBJECTIVE

To assess survivorship, success, and causes of failure of HVI in the management of cervical spine injuries.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The use of HVI has been increasingly questioned as an immobilization technique in cervical trauma due to reports of high complication rates and unacceptable treatment results. It was our hypothesis that selective use of updated HVI could demonstrate higher clinical success rates and lower complication rates compared to several previous landmark studies.

METHODS

All patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries treated with HVI between 1998 and 2006 at a single level 1 trauma center were reviewed retrospectively. With Internal Review Board approval, the trauma, spine, and orthotics databases were reviewed for (1) injury type, (2) patient age, (3) complications and comorbidities, (4) survivorship of the device and (5) treatment outcome.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety traumatic cervical spine injuries in 342 patients were treated with HVI. Thirty-one (9%) patients were lost to follow-up. Average age was 41 years (2-94). HVI was used as definitive treatment in 288 (84%) patients and in conjunction with surgical intervention in 54 (16%) patients. One hundred thirteen (35%) complications occurred, the most common of which were pin site infections (39) and instability (38). Two hundred seven (74%) of the 289 halo survivors with appropriate follow-up completed the initially prescribed time period of HVI. Two hundred eight of 247 (85%) halos placed as stand-alone management achieved their intended goal.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with HVI was successful in 85% of patients and 74% of survivors completed their intended treatment period. Complications, though common, were mostly not severe. HVI is still a reasonable treatment option in managing cervical spine injuries.

Incidence of and risk factors for complications associated with halo-vest immobilization: a prospective, descriptive cohort study of 239 patients

BACKGROUND

Since high rates of serious complications, such as death and pneumonia, during halo-vest immobilization have been reported, there has been a tendency of restraint with regard to the use of the halo vest. However, the rate of complications in a high-volume center with sufficient experience is unknown. Our objective was to determine the incidence of and risk factors associated with complications during halo-vest immobilization.

METHODS

During a five-year period, a prospective cohort study was performed in a single, level-I trauma center that was also a tertiary referral center for spinal disorders. Data from all patients undergoing halo-vest immobilization were collected prospectively, and every complication was recorded. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of complications. Univariate regression analysis and regression modeling were used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

In 239 patients treated with halo-vest immobilization, twenty-six major, seventy-two intermediate, and 121 minor complications were observed. Fourteen patients (6%) died during the treatment, although only one death was related directly to the immobilization and three were possibly related directly to the immobilization. Twelve patients (5%) acquired pneumonia during halo-vest immobilization. Patients older than sixty-five years did not have an increased risk of pneumonia (p = 0.543) or halo vest-related mortality (p = 0.467). Halo vest-related complications ranged from three patients (1%) with incorrect initial placement of the halo vest to twenty-nine patients (12%) with a pin-site infection. Pin-site infection was significantly related to pin penetration through the outer table of the skull (odds ratio, 4.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.22 to 15.51; p = 0.024). In 164 trauma patients treated only with halo-vest immobilization, cervical fractures with facet joint involvement or dislocations were significantly related to radiographic loss of alignment during follow-up (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 7.44; p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

There are relatively low rates of mortality and pneumonia during halo-vest immobilization, and elderly patients do not have an increased risk of pneumonia or death related to halo-vest immobilization. Nevertheless, the total number of minor complications is substantial. This study confirms that awareness of and responsiveness to minor complications can prevent subsequent development of serious morbidities and perhaps reduce mortality.

Use of a noninvasive halo in children

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of clinical experience in children using a new noninvasive halo.

OBJECTIVE

To report on the efficacy, complications and indications for use of a noninvasive halo in the pediatric population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A halo vest with pins in the skull is the gold standard for providing maximum immobilization and control of the cervical spine. Inherent complications include scarring, infection, cerebral spinal fluid leakage, loosening of pins, and penetration of the cranial vault. Less invasive orthoses historically provide significantly less immobilization and control of the cervical spine. A Minerva cast has problems with patient tolerance and skin care.

METHODS

The noninvasive halo was used on 30 children (ages 6 months to 16 years) for the following indications: muscular torticollis release, 18 children; cervical fusion immobilization 7 children; closed reduction of C1-C2 rotatory subluxation, 5 children.

RESULTS

The noninvasive halo was successful with no complications in 29 of 30 patients. One complication consisted of dislodgment of a C2-C4 anterior strut graft, though fusion ensued without further surgery and the clinical result was successful. Longstanding C1-C2 rotatory subluxations were safely reduced in 5 children with the noninvasive halo. In 18 children following sternocleidomastoid release, the cervical spine was successfully immobilized in an overcorrected position after surgery.

CONCLUSION

A noninvasive halo was used successfully for postoperative immobilization of children with stable cervical spines. This device was particularly useful for the gentle and safe reduction of C1-C2 subluxations, and for postoperative immobilization in an overcorrected position following stenocleidomastoid release for congenital muscular torticollis.

A treatment algorithm for the management of cervical spine fractures and deformity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Object

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who present with cervical spine fractures represent a unique challenge to spine surgeons. These injuries often result in neurological deficits that necessitate early and aggressive surgical management with posterior and/or anterior fixation. The authors introduce a clinical problem-solving algorithm to assist in the surgical management of instability and deformity in this exigent patient population.

Methods

Thirteen patients with AS and fractures of the cervical spine were radiographically evaluated to determine if spinal realignment was obtainable with cervical manipulation or traction. Seven patients had flexible deformities that were stabilized with either anterior or posterior fixation only, and 6 patients had fixed deformities and required circumferential anterior–posterior instrumentation. All patients were observed for neurological outcome, radiographic evidence of bone fusion, and complications.

Results

With the use of the authors' treatment algorithm, all patients were able to achieve satisfactory spinal realignment and bone fusion; 92% of patients achieved postoperative stability or improvement in Nurick and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale scores. One patient experienced neurological deterioration following surgery, and 1 patient died at an acute rehabilitative facility following discharge.

Conclusions

Patients with AS are highly susceptible to extensive neurological injury and spinal deformity after sustaining cervical fractures from even minor traumatic forces. These injuries are uniquely complex in nature and require considerable scrutiny and aggressive surgical management to optimize spinal stability and functional outcomes. The authors' clinical problem-solving algorithm will assist spine surgeons in providing optimal care in this difficult population.

[Temporary percutaneous spondylodesis C1/2 and halo vest immobilisation. An alternative treatment of complex injuries of the upper cervical spine]

Dislocated combined injuries of the upper cervical spine such as C 1/2 fractures require occipitocervical fusion, especially if the dislocation can not be redressed using halo vest immobilisition. We report on the clinical course and outcome of a young woman who sustained complex cervical spine injuries. Closed reduction and a percutaneous transfixation of C 1/2 with k-wires (Magerl) and an additional halo vest immobilisition was performed to avoid permanent fusion. The 25 year old patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a dislocated Jefferson's fracture, an odontoid fracture type II (Anderson and d'Alonso) with protrusion into the foramen magnum, and a dislocated C 6/7 fracture. A ventral spondylodesis C6/7 was followed by temporary dorsal spondylodesis C1/2 with k-wires (Magerl) and additional halo vest immobilisition after closed reduction. The temporary percutaneous fixation C1/2 was removed after 11 weeks, as was the halo vest immobilisition. After removing the temporary percutaneous fixation (k-wires) and the halo system, the patient showed very good functional results in terms of range of motion with only minor discomfort. Complex injuries of the upper cervical spine that cannot be retained by external fixation often require an occipitocervical fusion or fixation of C1/2. In the case presented, the temporary percutaneous fixation (Magerl) with k-wires was terminated after 3 months to avoid significant functional impairment. Younger patients benefit most from temporary fusion of the upper cervical spine, which results in better functional outcome and only minor pain.

Complications of halo fixation in the elderly

Object

The risk factors of halo fixation in elderly patients have never been analyzed. The authors therefore retrospectively reviewed data obtained in the treatment of such cases.

Methods

A discharge database was searched for patients 70 years of age or older who had undergone placement of a halo device. In a search of cases managed between April 1999 and February 2005, data pertaining to 53 patients (mean age 79.9 years [range 70–97 years]) met these criteria. Forty-one patients were treated for traumatic injuries. Ten patients had deficits ranging from radiculopathy to quadriparesis, and 43 had no neurological deficit. Adequate follow-up material was available in 42 patients (mean treatment duration 91 days). Halo immobilization was the only treatment in 21 patients, and adjunctive surgical fixation was undertaken in the other 21 patients. There were 31 complications in 22 patients: respiratory distress in four patients, dysphagia in six, and pin-related complications in 10. Eight patients died; in two of these cases, the cause of death was clearly unrelated to the halo brace. The other six patients died of respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse (perioperative mortality rate 14%). Three patients who died had sustained acute trauma and three had undergone surgical stabilization.

Conclusions

External halo fixation can be used safely to treat cervical instability in elderly patients. The high complication rate in this population may reflect the significant incidence of underlying disease processes.

Zur Problematik des Halofixateurs beim alten Patienten

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of unstable cervical spine injuries with the halo vest represents an established procedure. So far no data reflecting the quality of life of patients following a halo vest treatment are available. Elderly people make up a large part of the inpatients in our hospital. Therefore special attention is payed to this group of patients in this study.

METHODS

In this study 41 patients (average age of 51.8 +/- 23.5 years) with an unstable injury of the upper cervical spine were investigated. All of them underwent a halo vest therapy in our hospital during 1988-2003. The health-related quality of life was assessed in the mean 8.0 years after the trauma by using the SF-36 Health Survey. Additionally, the incidence of complications and the union rate over time were observed.

RESULTS

The evaluation of the data obtained from the SF-36 revealed a reduced quality of life in the patient group in comparison to the reference population. This was particularly apparent in patients older than 60 years. The fracture healing under halo vest treatment was comparably slow. In 17% of the cases no fracture union was obtained after 12 weeks. This was only seen for patients older than 60 years. The complication rate associated to the halo vest amounted to 43% and was independent of age.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of unstable fractures of the upper cervical spine with a halo vest results in a prolongated fracture healing for elderly people. Furthermore a halo vest therapy reduces the health related quality of life. Therefore, even for elderly patients an internal osteosynthetic stabilization of an unstable injury of the upper cervical spine should be considered if indicated.

Multiple and simultaneous spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis: case report

STUDY DESIGN

A case report.

OBJECTIVE

To report the unique occurrence and treatment of multiple and simultaneous spine fractures in a patient with progressed ankylosing spondylitis and preexisting multilevel spine instrumentation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex inflammatory arthritic condition that renders the spine more susceptible to fracture than individuals who do not have ankylosing spondylitis. To our knowledge, in the patient with ankylosing spondylitis, the occurrence of nonregion-specific multiple and simultaneous spine fractures, and the role of internal instrumentation in subsequent fracture development have not been addressed in the literature.

METHODS

An 81-year-old white male with ankylosing spondylitis had 2 low-energy falls, resulting in 3 spine fractures. During the first fall, he had a displaced fracture at the T11-T12 level without a spinal cord injury. Fracture treatment entailed posterior instrumentation with fusion at T8-L2 and immobilization after surgery with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis brace, which led to successful healing of the injury. Approximately 2 years later, the patient had a second fall, and presented with simultaneous displaced fractures at the C6-C7 and L2-L3 levels, and an American Spinal Injury Association-A spinal cord injury. The cervical and lumbar fractures were both treated operatively via a 2-staged approach with posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion at C3-T3 and at L2-L5, respectively. A soft cervical collar and a thoracolumbosacral orthosis brace were worn after surgery. There were no intraoperative complications.

RESULTS

Although anatomic reduction and stable fixation of the spinal injuries were achieved, the patient's neurologic status following the second injury remained unchanged. His postoperative course was complicated by pulmonary failure that ultimately resulted in death by the 3-month postoperative time.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a strong susceptibility to spine fracture from minor trauma, which can have devastating outcomes. Nonregion-specific multiple and simultaneous spine fractures can occur, and require thorough radiographic evaluation with imaging of the entire spinal axis, appropriate operative planning, and meticulous perioperative treatment. Preexisting internal spine instrumentation may predispose the ankylosing spondylitis spine to multiple fractures, even following a minor traumatic event. As such, the clinician should be cognizant of the possible existence of multiple and simultaneous fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis with preexisting internal spine instrumentation.