CTICasesVertebral Body Fracture in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis
Imaging findings
Sagittal CT reconstruction of the spine demonstrates extensive, flowing ossification along the anterior aspect of the thoracic vertebral bodies, consistent with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. A horizontal, unstable fracture line is seen extending completely through a fused vertebral body and the ossified anterior longitudinal ligament.
Key takeaways
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis have rigid, fused spines that act as long lever arms, making them highly susceptible to unstable trans-vertebral fractures even after low-energy trauma such as a simple fall from standing. Clinicians and radiologists should maintain a high index of suspicion and low threshold for obtaining spine CT scans in these patients when they present after any trauma.
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