Ankylosing spondylitis

From greek.doctor
  • Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disorder of the back. It's also called Bektherev disease
  • Epidemiology
    • Males > females
    • 15 – 40
  • Etiology
    • HLA-B27 positivity
    • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Pathology
    • Ankylosis = fusion of articular surfaces
    • Spondylitis = inflammation of the vertebrae
  • Clinical features
    • Back pain
    • Neck pain
    • Morning stiffness
    • Limited spinal mobility
    • Anterior uveitis
  • Diagnosis
    • Schober test
    • X-ray
      • Shows ankylosis and sacroilitis
  • Treatment
    • Conservative
      • Physical therapy
      • NSAIDs
      • Biological therapy (TNF inhibitors)
    • Surgery
      • Osteotomy
      • Nerve decompression
      • Spinal fusion