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"Carrot stick" fracture through C6-7 disc - ankylosing spondylitis

Case contributed by: Dr Chris O'Donnell

Presentation:

Known ankylosing spondylitis. High speed motor cycle accident. Neck pain.

Patient Data:

Age: 55

Gender: Male

Race: Caucasian

From the case: "Carrot stick" fracture through C6-7 disc - ankylosing spondylitis

Modality: CT

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bone window

sagittal MPR

Fused discs above and below the fracture line that traverses the C6,7 disc - due to a hyperextension mechanism with compression to the posterior elements. Highly unstable injury just like a carrot stick break whereby the fracture passes through the entire diameter of the spine.