A rigid spine is a condition that is characterized by the ossification and/or fusion of spinal segments thus leading to a change in biomechanics. The shock absorption capabilities of normal intervertebral discs, as well as the elasticity of ligaments, is eliminated thus making the rigid spine more to fracture. A rigid spine can develop in the following clinical conditions 1:
- ankylosing spondylitis
- diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
- degenerative spondylosis
- surgically fused spine
Clinical importance
A rigid spine can alter the management in the setting of spinal fractures and is recognized as a modifier in the AO Spine classification system 1,2.
- ankylosing spondylitis
- prone to transdiscal fractures often as a result of hyperextension injuries
- often located in the cervical spine
- diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
- prone to hyperextension and translational injury
- often located at the thoracolumbar junction or lower cervical spine
- degenerative spondylosis
- more often transvertebral fractures
- often located where spondylosis is present e.g. in the cervical and lumbar spine
- surgically fused spine
- increased fracture risk at the junctional zone (up to 3 vertebrae) to the fused segments
- prone to transverse fractures and compression fractures
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