Ankylosing Spondylitis

Question 1

what is ankylosing spondylitis?

Answer 1

a chronic inflammitory disorder that affcets the axial skelaton

Question 2

what increases likelihood of AS?

Answer 2

sex- males are 5 times more likely
age- onset between 15-35

Question 3

what are some symptoms of AS?

Answer 3

• Lower back pain of 3 months, not relieved by rest but relieved by exercise
• Pain is ofetn in the morning, longer than 30 mins
• Decreased chest expansion due to calcification of costovertebral joints
• Bilateral or unilateral sacroiliitis- painful condition that effects the sacroilliac joints
• Sclerosis, or thickening of bone, partial or total fusion of joints
• Fatigue

Question 4

what is syndesmophytes

Answer 4

syndesmophytes is calcification inside a spinal ligament

Question 5

what changes occur in the sacroiliac joint as a result of AS?

Answer 5

Joints are blurred and indistinct

Fusion of the joint can occur

Formation of bony bridges between adjacent vertebrae

Ossification of ligaments

Question 6

what is ossification of ligaments?

Answer 6

when the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes thicker and less flexible

Question 7

what are the consequences of AS?

Answer 7

effects ability to work and quality of life

reduced flexibility

increased risk of developing CVD

reduced cardiorespiratory fitness- partly because of structural changes but also lifestyle changes, not as active

anterior uveitis- blurred vision and red eye

Question 8

describe the treatments for AS

Answer 8

• NSAID’s for reducing inflammation and pain releif
• Physiotherapy, structured exercise programme
• DMARDS
• Biphosphontes: slows the rate of bone breakdown if osetoporosis is diagnosed