Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are susceptible to spine fracture, usually in the cervical spine. Less frequently, the thoracic and lumbar spines are affected. The fracture line may involve anterior and posterior elements. Frequently, it extends through the entire width of the spine and as a result the fracture tends to be unstable and may cause neurologic damage. In this case, prompt immobilization and reduction of the dislocated spine followed by stabilization is required.

We report a 71 year-old man who slipped down and sustained a fracture-dislocation of T11 vertebra, which was able to be diagnosed due to development of complete paralysis of bilateral lower extremities. The patient was operated for stabilizing fracture with Kaneda device. Postoperatively, the patient regained poor to good range of muscle power.

Many fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis may occur even with following minor trauma. We feel that one of the important aspects in ankylosing spondylitis management is the prevention of spinal fractures.

Alerting patients of spinal fragility and teaching them how to evade situations leading to spinal trauma may help avoid this kind of tragedy.