Ankylosing Spondylitis

Question 1

what is Ankylosing spondylitis ? 5

Answer 1

• chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints
• form of arthritis
• In response to the inflammation, the body produces extra calcium around the bones of the spine.
• fusion leading to a classic bamboo spine.
• If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply.

Question 2

causes of AS 1 reference

Answer 2

No specific cause, through genetic factors seem to be involved gene- HLA-B27 (Tam et al. 2010.)

Question 3

population of AS

Answer 3

• males
• risk increases with age, over 50

Question 4

symptoms of AS 6

Answer 4

1. early morning stiffness in lower back and hips
2. fatigues and neck pain
3. pain in prolonged sitting
4. enthesitis - pain and swelling where ligaments and tendons attach to bones
5. shortness of breath - as AS progresses fusion of thoracic and ribs attached limits expansion of chest
6. inflammation of the eye

Question 5

AS imaging 3

Answer 5

• blood tests to check for inflammation of the body and genetic testing
• X-ray
• MRI

Question 6

surgery for AS 3

Answer 6

1. osteotomy - cut bones to shorten or change their alignment - to help improve posture
2. spinal fusion- if the osteotomy cuts of vertebral stabilisation - will not have any flexibility
3. spinal decompression laminectomy

Question 7

non- invasive approach AS 4

Answer 7

1. NSAIDs
2. postural training
3. corticosteroids
4. Anti-TNF medication - TNF is a chemical produced by cells when tissue is inflamed

Question 8

exercises AS 6

Answer 8

Knee to chest- hip flexor stretch
Breathing exercises
Lower trunk rotation
Bird dog
McKenzie
Bridges

Question 9

physiotherapy for AS 2

Answer 9

1. massage
2. hydrotherapy

Question 10

gene AS

Answer 10

HLA- B27 tam et al 2010