Fractures of the cervical spine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Fractures of the cervical spine in six patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis are presented. Three patients had a hyperextension type of injury. These fractures were extremely unstable and combined with spinal cord damage. In the other cases the fracture was caused by a flexion mechanism. These fractures were stable and there was no damage to the spinal cord. Treatment modified according to the demands of the fractures is outlined.