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Carrot stick fracture - ankylosing spondylitis

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

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

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Male

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

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. This is a highly unstable injury just like a carrot stick break whereby the fracture passes through the entire diameter of the spine.

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