|
|
||||||||
American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 165, 1205-1208, Copyright © 1995 by American Roentgen Ray Society
ARTICLES |
D Karasick, ME Schweitzer, NA Abidi and JM Cotler
Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic rheumatologic disorder of adults that results in disease-specific inflammation and eventual ossification at the site of ligamentous insertion into bone. The resulting spinal ankylosis causes biomechanical alterations that predispose the patient to serious spinal injury even in the presence of minor trauma. With the loss of spinal flexibility and increased bone fragility, there is a propensity for vertebral fracture, instability, and increased neurologic complications. Illustrative examples of the imaging modalities are presented, as they contribute to the detection of fractures and spinal cord injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |