Ankylosing spondylitis and spinal trauma – with an emphasis on the role of radiology

Diagnosis of spinal injury in a patient with chronic ankylosing spondylitis can be challenging. Minor insult can result in an unstable three-column injury which may be subtle. Spinal deformity, osteoporosis and limited mobility are associated with difficulty in positioning patients for imaging studies, including radiography and both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion of fracture, avoid forced neck extension during radiological imaging, and to consider whole spine imaging in these patients. Other causes of neurological symptoms simulating potential spinal injury are also briefly addressed.