Assessment of shoulder involvement and disability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the parameters which have an important role in shoulder involvement and disability in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Ninety patients with AS were divided into two groups according to the presence of shoulder involvement. Bath AS metrology index (BASMI), ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL) and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) were used. Ranges of movements of limited shoulders were measured. Mean disease duration, age, BASMI, and ASQoL were higher and hip involvement was more frequent in the shoulder-involved group. Disease duration was found to be the most significant factor in shoulder involvement. A significant relationship was found between all SPADI scores and ASQoL. The SPADI disability score was affected by flexion limitation. Patients with hip involvement and longer disease duration should be evaluated for shoulder involvement. Flexion limitation of shoulder affected shoulder disability and shoulder disability impaired quality of life.