When your spine takes ‘staying rigid’ a little too seriously. Notes below ⤵️
✅ Radiographic features
Bamboo spine is a hallmark finding in Ankylosing Spondylitis, characterized by progressive ossification of spinal ligaments and fusion of vertebrae. Key radiographic features include syndesmophytes, vertebral body squaring, and ankylosis. Early changes often begin with sacroiliitis before progressing to the spine.
✅ Clinical Associations
Ankylosing Spondylitis is strongly associated with HLA-B27. Patients commonly present with chronic inflammatory back pain that improves with exercise and worsens with rest. Other features include morning stiffness, enthesitis (e.g., Achilles tendon), uveitis, and dactylitis.
✅ Complications
Complications include vertebral fractures due to the brittle, ankylosed spine, restrictive lung disease from decreased chest wall expansion, and aortic regurgitation due to aortitis. Spinal mobility becomes severely limited in advanced stages.
✅ Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis involves radiographic findings combined with clinical features, such as inflammatory back pain and elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Management includes NSAIDs as first-line therapy, with TNF-alpha inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors for refractory cases. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in preserving mobility and function.
医学生Medic[超话]
