Predictor of Surgical Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis Cervical Spinal Fracture

An At Least 2 Years Follow-Up Retrospective Study

Abstract

Study Design. 

Retrospective study.

Objective. 

A retrospective study was conducted to clarify the prognostic factors of postoperative for cervical spine fractures patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Summary of Background Data. 

Now the high probability of cervical fractures in patients with AS is unanimously recognized. Fractures mostly occur in the lower cervical spine and two-thirds of patients are accompanied by spinal cord injury. But there are few studies on treatment of AS patients with cervical fracture and it is unclear whether the surgical method, timing of surgery, basic treatment of AS, and different doses of steroids therapy have an impact on the prognosis. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the impact of perioperative factors on the prognosis of traumatic cervical fractures in surgical patients with AS.

Methods. 

Preoperative and postoperative spinal cord function were assessed according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Scores and Improvement rate were calculated. The neck pain severity were rated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The t test and v2-test were used for comparison of clinical data between the preoperative and postoperative groups. Logistic univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationship between variables.

Results. 

The degree of fracture displacement in cervical spine fractures patients with AS was most common at the neck–chest junction (26.1%). Patients with degree of cervical fracture displacement less than 50% had significantly improved JOA scores after surgery (P = 0). The incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) due to fracture was high (52.2%). Patients with combined anterior and posterior is helpful for neurological recovery (P = 0.01). Basic AS treating before injury would be benefit for neurological improvement (P = 0).

Conclusion. 

Basic AS treatment, SCI, and surgical methods are independent factors that affect the prognosis of cervical spine fractures patients with AS. It is controversial to perform surgery and preoperative steroid application as soon as possible.

Level of Evidence: 3

In Brief

This study aims to evaluate the predictor of surgical outcomes in cervical fractures patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Surgical methods, spinal cord injury, history of AS treatment as independent influencing factors, have statistical significance for the patients.