[Spinal fracture in the course of spondylarthritis ankylopoietica (Bechterew disease)].

In 1965-1986 fifty-six patients were treated for fracture of the spine in the course of spondyloarthritis ankylopoetica. In 47 patients the cervical spine was injured. In 53 patients concomitant neurological symptoms were observed. Total or partial palsy were dominant in injuries of the cervical spine (72 per cent). A marked neurological improvement was achieved in the course of treatment in most of the patients. The authors recommend non-surgical treatment.