Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an infrequent pathology that when untreated may generate low back pain and occasionally led to a completely fixed spine. There are clinical, radiological, genetic, and laboratory features that characterize this pathology. Once the diagnosis has been done, there are some treatments available focused on the reduced inflammatory activity. Frequently, the diagnosis is delayed and the patients presents with spinal deformities that are typically in the sagittal plane, fixed and affects significantly the quality of life. Ankylosing spondylitis predisposes the patients to osteoporosis and, when combined with a sagittal deformity of the spine with bending forward posture, results in a higher risk of falls on therefore spinal fractures. The classic pattern of fracture is a hyperextension cervical or thoracolumbar fracture that is usually associated with some neurological impairment and require surgical stabilization. Spinal deformities secondary to AS could be severe and need a multidisciplinary approach. When the patient is a good candidate for a reconstructive surgery, this should be performed in facilities with experience in treating those cases to reduce the burden and the rate of complications related.