Spontaneous Fracture of Atlas of Cervical Spine Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis

J. Sandelin Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Surgical Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

S. Santavirta Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Surgical Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

E. Laasonen Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Surgical Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

P. Slätis Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Surgical Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

A case of spontaneous fracture of the atlas in a 67-year-old woman who had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for more than 20 years is described. This fracture is unique and can present diagnostic problems. Lying in the coronar plane makes the atlas difficult to visualize radiographically. Computer-guided tomography is a helpful diagnostic technique. The brittleness of the cervical spine in long-term rheumatoid patients should also be kept in mind when performing endotracheal intubation.

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Spontaneous Fracture of Atlas of Cervical Spine Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Spontaneous Fracture of Atlas of Cervical Spine Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis

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