Ankylosing Spondylosis
This is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the sacroiliac joints and the
axial skeleton.
It is also called Bamboo spine/Marie Strumpell Disease
Aetiopathology
The exact aetiology is not known. A strong association has been found between a
genetic marker—HLA-B 27 and this disease. Whereas, the incidence of HLA-B 27 is
less than 1 per cent in general population, it is present in more than 85 per cent of
patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
, Pathology:
Sacro-iliac joints are usually the first to get involved; followed by the spine from the
lumbar region upwards. The hip, the knee and the manubrio sternal joints are also
involved frequently. Initially synovitis occurs; followed later, by cartilage destruction
and bony erosion. Resultant fibrosis ultimately leads to fibrous, followed by bony
ankylosis. Ossification also occurs in the anterior longitudinal ligament and other
ligaments of the spine. After bony fusion occurs, the pain may subside, leaving the
spine
Permanently stiff (burnt out disease)
This is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the sacroiliac joints and the
axial skeleton.
It is also called Bamboo spine/Marie Strumpell Disease
Aetiopathology
The exact aetiology is not known. A strong association has been found between a
genetic marker—HLA-B 27 and this disease. Whereas, the incidence of HLA-B 27 is
less than 1 per cent in general population, it is present in more than 85 per cent of
patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
, Pathology:
Sacro-iliac joints are usually the first to get involved; followed by the spine from the
lumbar region upwards. The hip, the knee and the manubrio sternal joints are also
involved frequently. Initially synovitis occurs; followed later, by cartilage destruction
and bony erosion. Resultant fibrosis ultimately leads to fibrous, followed by bony
ankylosis. Ossification also occurs in the anterior longitudinal ligament and other
ligaments of the spine. After bony fusion occurs, the pain may subside, leaving the
spine
Permanently stiff (burnt out disease)
