TY - JOUR T1 - Is Long-Segment Fixation a Rule in Fractures Associated With Ankylosing Spondylitis? JF - International Journal of Spine Surgery JO - Int J Spine Surg SP - 215 LP - 220 DO - 10.14444/6029 VL - 13 IS - 2 AU - ARVIND G. KULKARNI AU - VARUN K. AGARWAL AU - NANDISH KUMAR, KC AU - AVINASH KUMAR AU - ANKIT PATEL Y1 - 2019/04/01 UR - http://ijssurgery.com//content/13/2/215.abstract N2 - Study Design: Technical report.Objective: We describe the outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty in 3-columnar thoraco-lumbar fracture secondary to hyper-extension injury in 3 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Thoraco-lumbar hyperextension injuries in AS are generally unstable as they involve all 3 spinal columns and traditionally require long-segment posterior instrumented stabilization.Methods: Three cases of AS with severe medical comorbidities underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for hyper-extension injury involving all 3 columns. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were documented preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up.Results: Excellent improvements in VAS and ODI scores were achieved. The patients have no complaints and are independent and mobile at 2 years follow-up.Conclusion: Vertebroplasty is an excellent option in such medically unfit patients with similar diagnosis and should be performed as early as possible before profound instability or neurological insult sets in, which would necessitate bigger and morbid surgeries. ER -