11 pieces of advice for the diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

  1, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mainly invades sacroiliac joints, spinal joints, paravertebral soft tissues and peripheral joints, and may be accompanied by extra-articular manifestations, which are rare in the upper extremities.  2, confirm the diagnosis of AS: meet any of the radiological criteria and clinical criteria.  3.The early stage of AS is mainly treated by medication, while the late stage of ankylosis or severe deformity of the spine or large joints such as hip and knee is mainly treated by surgery.  4. Maintain the maximum functional posture in daily activities, including standing and sitting with the chest upright; sleep in a supine position on a hard bed; sleep on a low pillow, and stop using pillows in severe cases.  5, timely functional exercise, such as deep breathing, coughing, at least 5 days a week, at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.  6.Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) as the first-line drugs for early or late symptom treatment can be taken continuously for a long time.  Salicyclovir improves peripheral joint symptoms of AS and is less effective for mid-axis symptoms. Recommended 2,0g daily in 2-3 oral doses, which can be combined with NSAIDS.  Glucocorticoids are not recommended for the treatment of AS, and intra-articular injections are feasible for persistent peripheral arthritis, no more than 2-3 times per year.  7.The purpose of surgery is to correct deformity, improve function and relieve pain, not to treat AS disease itself.  8. Indications for surgical treatment: kyphosis deformity with obvious dysfunction, hip and knee joint ankylosis, pain, activity disorder, with X-ray signs of structural damage.  9.Operation sequence: The site with the most severe deformity and the greatest impact on the patient’s function is preferred, and the intraoperative position is also considered. Generally speaking, the hip should be first and then the knee; the double hip should be first and then the double knee, or the ipsilateral hip and knee should be first and then the contralateral hip and knee.  10.Early total hip replacement after hip ankylosis is encouraged, and age is not a limiting factor.  11.Advocate early and active postoperative training to improve muscle strength and joint movement.