Ankylosing Spondylitis (Axial Spondyloarthritis): Difference between revisions

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<div class="noeditbox">Welcome to [[Vrije Universiteit Brussel Evidence-based Practice Project|Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Evidence-based Practice project]]. This space was created by and for the students in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!</div>
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'''Original Editor '''- [[User:Thomas Rodeghero|Thomas Rodeghero]], [[User:Mathieu Henrotte|Mathieu Henrotte]]  
'''Original Editor '''- [[User:Thomas Rodeghero|Thomas Rodeghero]], [[User:Mathieu Henrotte|Mathieu Henrotte]]  


'''Lead Editors''' - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.&nbsp; [[Physiopedia:Editors|Read more.]]  
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<div class="noeditbox">Welcome to [[Vrije Universiteit Brussel Evidence-based Practice Project|Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Evidence-based Practice project]]. This space was created by and for the students in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!</div> <div class="editorbox">
'''Original Editors '''
'''Lead Editors''' - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.&nbsp; [[Physiopedia:Editors|Read more.]]
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== Search Strategy  ==
== Search Strategy  ==


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== Clinically Relevant Anatomy  ==
== Clinically Relevant Anatomy  ==


add text here
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and the axial skeleton. The disorder is often found in association with other spondyloarthropathies, including reactive arthritis, psoriasis, juvenile chronic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn disease.&nbsp; To a lesser degree, the shoulder, hip, and tempomandibular joints may also be effected.<br>


== Epidemiology /Etiology  ==
== Epidemiology /Etiology  ==
add text here <br>
== Characteristics/Clinical Presentation  ==
add text here <br>
== Differential Diagnosis  ==
add text here
== Diagnostic Procedures  ==
add text here related to medical diagnostic procedures
== Outcome Measures ==
add links to outcome measures here (also see [[Outcome Measures|Outcome Measures Database]]) 
== Examination  ==
add text here related to physical examination and assessment<br>
== Medical Management <br>  ==
add text here <br>
== Physical Therapy Management <br>  ==
add text here <br>
== Key Research  ==
add links and reviews of high quality evidence here (case studies should be added on new pages using the [[Template:Case Study|case study template]])<br>
== Resources <br>  ==
add appropriate resources here <br>
== Clinical Bottom Line  ==
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== Recent Related Research (from [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ Pubmed])  ==
see tutorial on [[Adding PubMed Feed|Adding PubMed Feed]]
<div class="researchbox">
<rss>Feed goes here!!|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10</rss>
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== References  ==
see [[Adding References|adding references tutorial]].
<references />
[[Category:Vrije_Universiteit_Brussel_Project|Template:VUB]]
== Clinically Relevant Anatomy<br>  ==
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and the axial skeleton. The disorder is often found in association with other spondyloarthropathies, including reactive arthritis, psoriasis, juvenile chronic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn disease.&nbsp; To a lesser degree, the shoulder, hip, and tempomandibular joints may also be effected.<br>
== Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process<br>  ==


The etiology of AS is not fully understood at this time; however, a strong genetic link has been determined<ref name="van der Linden">van der Linden S, van der Heijde D. Clinical aspects, outcome assessment, and management of ankylosing spondylitis and postenteric reactive arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol. Jul 2000;12(4):263-8.</ref>.&nbsp; In addition, a direct relationship between AS and the major histocompatibility human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 has also been determined<ref name="Alvarez">Alvarez I, López de Castro JA. HLA-B27 and immunogenetics of spondyloarthropathies. Curr Opin Rheumatol. Jul 2000;12(4):248-53</ref>.&nbsp; The exact role of this antigen is unknown, but is believe to act as a receptor for an inciting antigen leading to AS.  
The etiology of AS is not fully understood at this time; however, a strong genetic link has been determined<ref name="van der Linden">van der Linden S, van der Heijde D. Clinical aspects, outcome assessment, and management of ankylosing spondylitis and postenteric reactive arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol. Jul 2000;12(4):263-8.</ref>.&nbsp; In addition, a direct relationship between AS and the major histocompatibility human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 has also been determined<ref name="Alvarez">Alvarez I, López de Castro JA. HLA-B27 and immunogenetics of spondyloarthropathies. Curr Opin Rheumatol. Jul 2000;12(4):248-53</ref>.&nbsp; The exact role of this antigen is unknown, but is believe to act as a receptor for an inciting antigen leading to AS.  
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The most information known about the pathological process of AS is that it effects the subchondral granulation tissue and creates small lesions, which ultimately lead to joint erosion<ref name="McGonagle">McGonagle D, Emery P. Enthesitis, osteitis, microbes, biomechanics, and immune reactivity in ankylosing spondylitis. J Rheumatol. Oct 2000;27(10):2302-4.</ref>.&nbsp; In the spine this occurs at the junction of the vertebrae and the anulus fibers of the discs.&nbsp; These lesions in the anulus fibers eventually undergo ossification, which leads to a 'fusion' effect of the spinal segments appearing as a 'bamboo' spine.<br>  
The most information known about the pathological process of AS is that it effects the subchondral granulation tissue and creates small lesions, which ultimately lead to joint erosion<ref name="McGonagle">McGonagle D, Emery P. Enthesitis, osteitis, microbes, biomechanics, and immune reactivity in ankylosing spondylitis. J Rheumatol. Oct 2000;27(10):2302-4.</ref>.&nbsp; In the spine this occurs at the junction of the vertebrae and the anulus fibers of the discs.&nbsp; These lesions in the anulus fibers eventually undergo ossification, which leads to a 'fusion' effect of the spinal segments appearing as a 'bamboo' spine.<br>  


== Clinical Presentation  ==
== Characteristics/Clinical Presentation  ==


AS predominately is seen in males in a 3:1 ratio and the onset of symptoms generally occurs in late adolescent years to early adulthood.&nbsp; Onset of symptoms past the age of 45 are uncommon.<br>  
AS predominately is seen in males in a 3:1 ratio and the onset of symptoms generally occurs in late adolescent years to early adulthood.&nbsp; Onset of symptoms past the age of 45 are uncommon.<br>  
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*Bamboo spine<br>
*Bamboo spine<br>
== Differential Diagnosis<br>  ==
Common other disorders to consider in differentially diagnosing with AS are:
*Degenerative Disc Disease<br>
*Herniated Nucleus Pulposus<br>
*Fractures and/or dislocation<br>
*Osteoarthritis<br>
*Spinal Stenosis<br>
*Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolysis, and Spondylosis


== Diagnostic Procedures  ==
== Diagnostic Procedures  ==
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== Outcome Measures  ==
== Outcome Measures  ==


Certain quality of life or global rating of change outcome measures may be most appropriate in the physical therapy setting as AS often effects the patient on a more general level.&nbsp; However, since AS is most associated with the spine, outcome measures such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) may also be appropriate.&nbsp; Laboratory values, such as the CRP, are used to monitor the effectiveness of medication treatments.<br>  
Certain quality of life or global rating of change outcome measures may be most appropriate in the physical therapy setting as AS often effects the patient on a more general level.&nbsp; However, since AS is most associated with the spine, outcome measures such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) may also be appropriate.&nbsp; Laboratory values, such as the CRP, are used to monitor the effectiveness of medication treatments.<br>


== Management / Interventions<br> ==
== Examination ==


Currently, evidence supports the use of a daily exercise routine to help alleviate pain and symptoms associated with AS.&nbsp; Physical therapy consults are highly recommended for educational purposes and to commence such an exercise routine<ref>Hidding A, van der Linden S, Gielen X, et al. Continuation of group physical therapy is necessary in ankylosing spondylitis: results of a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Care Res. Jun 1994;7(2):90-6.</ref><ref>Kraag G, Stokes B, Groh J, Helewa A, Goldsmith C. The effects of comprehensive home physiotherapy and supervision on patients with ankylosing spondylitis--a randomized controlled trial. J Rheumatol. Feb 1990;17(2):228-33.</ref>.&nbsp; It is important to stress there is no specific cure for AS and that surgery does not 'fix' the condition.&nbsp; Surgery becomes indicated if the patient displays cauda equina symptoms or severe neurological defecits.<br>  
add text here related to physical examination and assessment<br>  


== Differential Diagnosis<br>  ==
== Medical Management <br>  ==


Common other disorders to consider in differentially diagnosing with AS are:
add text here <br>


*Degenerative Disc Disease<br>
== Physical Therapy Management <br> ==


*Herniated Nucleus Pulposus<br>
Currently, evidence supports the use of a daily exercise routine to help alleviate pain and symptoms associated with AS.&nbsp; Physical therapy consults are highly recommended for educational purposes and to commence such an exercise routine<ref>Hidding A, van der Linden S, Gielen X, et al. Continuation of group physical therapy is necessary in ankylosing spondylitis: results of a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Care Res. Jun 1994;7(2):90-6.</ref><ref>Kraag G, Stokes B, Groh J, Helewa A, Goldsmith C. The effects of comprehensive home physiotherapy and supervision on patients with ankylosing spondylitis--a randomized controlled trial. J Rheumatol. Feb 1990;17(2):228-33.</ref>.&nbsp; It is important to stress there is no specific cure for AS and that surgery does not 'fix' the condition.&nbsp; Surgery becomes indicated if the patient displays cauda equina symptoms or severe neurological defecits.<br>  
 
*Fractures and/or dislocation<br>
 
*Osteoarthritis<br>
 
*Spinal Stenosis<br>  
*Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolysis, and Spondylosis


== Key Evidence  ==
== Key Evidence  ==
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[http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/ankylosing-spondylitis *WebMD]  
[http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/ankylosing-spondylitis *WebMD]  


== Case Studies ==
== Clinical Bottom Line ==


add links to case studies here (case studies should be added on new pages using the [[Template:Case Study|case study template]])<br>  
add text here <br>  


== Recent Related Research (from [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ Pubmed])  ==
== Recent Related Research (from [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ Pubmed])  ==
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<references />  
<references />  


[[Category:Articles]] [[Category:Condition]] [[Category:Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedics]] [[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Vrije_Universiteit_Brussel_Project|Template:VUB]] [[Category:Articles]] [[Category:Condition]] [[Category:Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedics]] [[Category:Rheumatology]]

Revision as of 13:41, 24 November 2010

Welcome to Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Evidence-based Practice project. This space was created by and for the students in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

Original Editor - Thomas Rodeghero, Mathieu Henrotte

Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.  Read more.

Search Strategy[edit | edit source]

add text here related to databases searched, keywords, and search timeline

Definition/Description[edit | edit source]

add text here

Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and the axial skeleton. The disorder is often found in association with other spondyloarthropathies, including reactive arthritis, psoriasis, juvenile chronic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn disease.  To a lesser degree, the shoulder, hip, and tempomandibular joints may also be effected.

Epidemiology /Etiology[edit | edit source]

The etiology of AS is not fully understood at this time; however, a strong genetic link has been determined[1].  In addition, a direct relationship between AS and the major histocompatibility human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 has also been determined[2].  The exact role of this antigen is unknown, but is believe to act as a receptor for an inciting antigen leading to AS.

The most information known about the pathological process of AS is that it effects the subchondral granulation tissue and creates small lesions, which ultimately lead to joint erosion[3].  In the spine this occurs at the junction of the vertebrae and the anulus fibers of the discs.  These lesions in the anulus fibers eventually undergo ossification, which leads to a 'fusion' effect of the spinal segments appearing as a 'bamboo' spine.

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

AS predominately is seen in males in a 3:1 ratio and the onset of symptoms generally occurs in late adolescent years to early adulthood.  Onset of symptoms past the age of 45 are uncommon.

The clinical presentation is usually an insidious onset of back pain in the area of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and gluteal regions.  Morning stiffness lasting greater than 30 minutes is a common subjective complaint, as well as waking up in the second half of the night.  Pain is usually exacerbated with rest and relieve with physical activity/exercise.  Complaints of difficulty breathing at times may also be a common complaint as AS may cause a decrease in chest expansion.

Common physical findings include:

  • Forward flexed, or stooped, posture
  • Decreased spinal segmental mobility
  • Tenderness to palpate in the SI regions
  • Bamboo spine

Differential Diagnosis
[edit | edit source]

Common other disorders to consider in differentially diagnosing with AS are:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
  • Fractures and/or dislocation
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolysis, and Spondylosis

Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of AS is commonly made through a combination of a thorough subjective and physical examination in combination with laboratory data and imaging studies.  Common laboratory data include the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen; however, its presence is not required for a diagnosis of AS.  In addition, high C-reactive proteins (CRP) are found in approximately 75% of people with AS[4].

The New York criteria for diagnosing AS combines physical findings with radiograph studies.  Physical findings include limitations of lumbar spine motion in 3 planes, pain (or history of pain) at the thoraco-lumbar junction or lumbar spine, and a limitation of chest expansion to 1 inch or less measured at the 4th intercostal space.  Radiographic findings are graded on a scale of 0 to 4 where 4 is considered ankylosing[5].  A definitive diagnosis is considered if there is a grade 3 to 4 at bilateral SI joints on radiograph with at least 1 physical finding, or grade 3 to 4 unilaterally (or grade 2 bilaterally) with 2 physical findings present.

Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]

Certain quality of life or global rating of change outcome measures may be most appropriate in the physical therapy setting as AS often effects the patient on a more general level.  However, since AS is most associated with the spine, outcome measures such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) may also be appropriate.  Laboratory values, such as the CRP, are used to monitor the effectiveness of medication treatments.

Examination[edit | edit source]

add text here related to physical examination and assessment

Medical Management
[edit | edit source]

add text here

Physical Therapy Management
[edit | edit source]

Currently, evidence supports the use of a daily exercise routine to help alleviate pain and symptoms associated with AS.  Physical therapy consults are highly recommended for educational purposes and to commence such an exercise routine[6][7].  It is important to stress there is no specific cure for AS and that surgery does not 'fix' the condition.  Surgery becomes indicated if the patient displays cauda equina symptoms or severe neurological defecits.

Key Evidence[edit | edit source]

add text here relating to key evidence with regards to any of the above headings

Resources
[edit | edit source]

*Emedicine

*WebMD

Clinical Bottom Line[edit | edit source]

add text here

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

Failed to load RSS feed from http://eutils.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/erss.cgi?rss_guid=1p9j2Ia0knT9gkJRpfmqWR4Pk3y8v7JBAfSH2f31CW8M6bzsAK|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10: Error parsing XML for RSS

References[edit | edit source]

References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.

  1. van der Linden S, van der Heijde D. Clinical aspects, outcome assessment, and management of ankylosing spondylitis and postenteric reactive arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol. Jul 2000;12(4):263-8.
  2. Alvarez I, López de Castro JA. HLA-B27 and immunogenetics of spondyloarthropathies. Curr Opin Rheumatol. Jul 2000;12(4):248-53
  3. McGonagle D, Emery P. Enthesitis, osteitis, microbes, biomechanics, and immune reactivity in ankylosing spondylitis. J Rheumatol. Oct 2000;27(10):2302-4.
  4. Dougados M, Gueguen A, Nakache JP, et al. Clinical relevance of C-reactive protein in axial involvement of ankylosing spondylitis. J Rheumatol. Apr 1999;26(4):971-4.
  5. van der Heijde D, Spoorenberg A. Plain radiographs as an outcome measure in ankylosing spondylitis. J Rheumatol. Apr 1999;26(4):985-7.
  6. Hidding A, van der Linden S, Gielen X, et al. Continuation of group physical therapy is necessary in ankylosing spondylitis: results of a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Care Res. Jun 1994;7(2):90-6.
  7. Kraag G, Stokes B, Groh J, Helewa A, Goldsmith C. The effects of comprehensive home physiotherapy and supervision on patients with ankylosing spondylitis--a randomized controlled trial. J Rheumatol. Feb 1990;17(2):228-33.