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Chalk stick fracture - ankylosing spondylitis

Case contributed by Mersad Mehrnahad
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Known case of ankylosing spondylitis with history of falling. Attends the emergency department.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

In lumbar and pelvic frontal views, ankylosis of bilateral sacroiliac joints is seen.

Interspinous ligament calcification is seen as 'dagger' spine associated with 'bamboo spine' is depicted.

All findings are secondary to ankylosing spondylitis.

Syndesmophytes, ankylosis of bilateral costovertebral and post facet joints associated with fracture line (arrow) with extension from anterior vertebral body to posterior part of vertebral body characteristic of chalk stick fracture is depicted.

Beside typical findings of ankylosing spondylitis e.g. calcification of interspinous ligaments, shiny corner sign, syndesmophytic ankylosis and Anderson lesion, patient suffer from chalk stick fracture (arrow) after falling, a type of fracture that occurs in fused spine.

Case Discussion

Chalk stick fracture of fused spine seen in patient with history of ankylosing spondylitis.

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