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As the condition develops and the spine becomes more immobilized by the formation of bone in the joints, the spine can take on the appearance of bamboo on x-rays and is referred to as “bamboo spine.” The presence of bamboo spine increases a person’s risk of fractures in the vertebrae.
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The entheses and ligaments may also become calcified, called syndesmophytes. As the body works to replace the lost bone, it can create excess bone, leading to a fusing of the joint. This chronic inflammation wears away at the bone of the joints. 1 How ankylosing spondylitis affects the spineĪS causes chronic inflammation in the vertebral joints and in the points where tendons and ligaments attach to the joints, called entheses. While most people with AS don’t need surgery, in certain cases surgery may be necessary. Treatment for AS usually includes a combination of medications and physical therapy. Hip replacement is for people whose hip joint has been damaged by AS.įor some people, treatment may include a combination of different surgical techniques in order to get the best outcome.Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness, and it can progress to cause fused joints. The surgeon removes the hip joint and replaces it with a prosthesis. The surgeon removes parts of the spinal vertebrae (or lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal osteotomy is an umbrella term that includes a wide range of surgeries to realign the spine and improve quality of life.
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The surgeon removes and repositions portions of the spinal bone in order to correct curvature and help regain stability. There are three surgical procedures that doctors can perform for AS that may be appropriate for someone with widespread ankylosis. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery for bamboo spine, especially when the ankylosis is extensive or if it’s impacting a person’s quality of life. There are medical case reports of people with mild to moderate back pain as the result of bamboo spine whose symptoms were relieved with physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication alone.
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Many people with bamboo spine do not require surgery, despite the widespread ankylosis. Surgery may be indicated to replace the hip joint or to correct kyphosis (rounding of the upper back). Most people with AS never require surgery to manage the condition, especially with recent advances in medication prescribed in earlier stages. Medication, exercise, physical therapy, stress reduction, and complementary therapies can all form part of a treatment plan. Treatment of AS at all stages is focused on reducing inflammation and improving quality of life. Many people with AS never experience bamboo spine, as newer biologic medications have made it easier to manage the condition and prevent it from progressing. People who achieve an early diagnosis and start treatment may slow or prevent advanced complications. AS is one cause of osteoporosis.Įvery person with AS has a unique experience with its progression. The spine is at risk for fracture, because the spine is less flexible and the bone created during the fusion process is weak.įractures of the spine are up to four times more common among people with AS compared to the general population. Ultimately, this leads to the fusion of the bones, which is called ankylosis. Over time, this natural process of repeated repair leads to scarring and the formation of extra bone. How does ankylosis cause bamboo spine?ĪS causes inflammation of the entheses, which is the tissue that connects tendons and ligaments to bone.Īfter an inflammatory flare, the body tries to heal. This is what some call “bamboo spine.”Īs a result of these changes, people experience restriction of movement and greater vulnerability to fracture of the spinal bones. The spine is rigid and loses flexibility. After many years with the condition, some people experience widespread ankylosis, or fusing of the bones.Īt this stage, the spinal vertebrae no longer move independently. What is ankylosing spondylitis bamboo spine?ĪS is a form of inflammatory arthritis.