Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine

Introduction: Chalk-stick fractures are transverse spinal injuries seen in patients with ankylosing spondylitis due to chronic inflammation and spinal rigidity. These fractures may result from minor trauma and are associated with potentially fatal complications. While spinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis are well recognized, thoracic chalk-stick fractures complicated by hemothorax from vascular injury remain exceedingly rare. We present a case of an elderly male with ankylosing spondylitis who sustained a thoracic chalk-stick fracture following a ground-level fall, complicated by hemothorax and hemorrhagic shock. This case highlights a rarely reported but life-threatening complication and emphasizes the importance of early imaging and high clinical suspicion in this high-risk population—even after minor trauma.

Case Report: A 90-year-old male with known history of ankylosing spondylitis presented to the emergency department after a ground-level fall associated with syncope. He had thoracic back pain, dyspnea, and hypotension. Computed tomography revealed a thoracic vertebra 11 chalk-stick fracture with interspinous vascular injury and a large, right-sided hemothorax. The patient underwent emergent chest tube placement, blood transfusion, and vasopressor support, which initially stabilized his condition. However, his hospital course was complicated by multiple comorbidities, and he ultimately died after prolonged critical care.

Conclusion: This case illustrates the potential for catastrophic vascular complications from minor trauma in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Thoracic chalk-stick fractures may result in life-threatening hemothorax and hemorrhagic shock. Emergency physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion and obtain early radiographic imaging to facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention in this high-risk population.