Fig. 1

A 53-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis and a complete fracture of C7 and partial dislocation. a Preoperative plain radiograph showing a displaced fracture together with an obvious gap in the anterior column at C7 because the rigid elevation of the shoulders prevents adequate imaging at the cervico-thoracic junction and so called bamboo spine resulting from ankylosing spondylitis; (b) and (c) CT with sagittal reconstruction and MR imaging showing an obvious fracture of C7. d and (e) Immediate antero-posterior and lateral radiographs showing posterior stabilization using pedicle screw fixation between C4 and T2. f and (g) Postoperative CT with sagittal reconstruction showing good screws placement in the cervical and thoracic pedicles, the cervicothoracic pre-existing kyphosis has been corrected. h Bone fusion has been confirmed by sagittal reconstruction CT after 6 months postoperatively