“Bamboo spine” starts to bend - Something is wrong

M. Kauppi, E.A. Belt, I. Soini

Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Heinola, Finland.

ABSTRACT
A typical complication of ankylosing spondylitis with an atypical patient history is reported and the topic is discussed. The diagnosis of a spinal fracture may be difficult in a "bamboo spine".

Key words
Ankylosing spondylarthritis, bamboo spine, cervical spine, spinal fracture.

Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: Markku Kauppi, MD, Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, FIN-18120 Heinola, Finland.
E-mail: markku.kauppi@reuma.fimnet.fi

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2000; 18: 513-514.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2000.