Piet Geusens1, Debby Vosse, Sjef van der Linden. 1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. piet.geusens@scarlet.be
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent data, in the context of what is already known, about an increased risk of vertebral fractures in ankylosing spondylitis patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Osteoporosis and fractures of the vertebral body and its dorsal arch are now well recognized features in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, but their diagnosis is still often a challenge. The risk factors and clinical consequences for fractures in ankylosing spondylitis are increasingly understood in the context of osteoimmunology and of spinal biomechanical changes in material and structural components in the spine that result in bone failure. SUMMARY: Diagnosing fractures of the vertebral body and its dorsal arch remains a challenge in studies and in clinical practice. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate to what degree such fractures can be prevented in ankylosing spondylitis.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent data, in the context of what is already known, about an increased risk of vertebral fractures in ankylosing spondylitispatients. RECENT FINDINGS:Osteoporosis and fractures of the vertebral body and its dorsal arch are now well recognized features in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, but their diagnosis is still often a challenge. The risk factors and clinical consequences for fractures in ankylosing spondylitis are increasingly understood in the context of osteoimmunology and of spinal biomechanical changes in material and structural components in the spine that result in bone failure. SUMMARY: Diagnosing fractures of the vertebral body and its dorsal arch remains a challenge in studies and in clinical practice. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate to what degree such fractures can be prevented in ankylosing spondylitis.
Authors: M A C van der Weijden; I E van der Horst-Bruinsma; J C van Denderen; B A C Dijkmans; M W Heymans; W F Lems Journal: Osteoporos Int Date: 2011-09-17 Impact factor: 4.507
Authors: Johannes L Bron; Mirjam K de Vries; Marieke N Snieders; Irene E van der Horst-Bruinsma; Barend J van Royen Journal: Clin Rheumatol Date: 2009-03-18 Impact factor: 2.980