Ankylosing Spondylitis

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Progressive chronic inflammatory arthritic condition affecting axial skeleton with insidious onset

Question 2

Population

Answer 2

• 15-40 yo (most commonly 25-35 yo)
• M&raquo_space; F

Question 3

First symptoms

Answer 3

• mid and low back pain, morning stiffness, and sacroilitis

Question 4

results in

Answer 4

• Kyphotic deformity of the cervical and thoracic spine
• decrease in lumbar lordosis
• degeneration of peripheral and costovertebral joints (later stages)
• “Bamboo Spine”
• calcification of ligaments onto spine
• reduced chest expansion

Question 5

Diagnostic test

Answer 5

HLA-B27 antigen test may be helpful
+ Schober Test

Question 6

Extra articular involvement

Answer 6

• spinal cord, cardiac valves, eyes (uvitis), lungs

Question 7

PT goals, outcomes, interventions

Answer 7

• flexility exercises for trunk to maintain normal joint motion and long of muscles in all directions, ESP EXT
• implementation of aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning or reconditioning such as aquatic programs
• implementation of relaxation activities to maintain/improve respiratory function