ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS-DIAGNOSIS

SUMMARY

1. At least grade 2 changes (SI joint margin blurring) bilaterally on pelvic XR & one other feature of spondyloartropathy is required for diagnosis.
2. If negative XR, presence of at least 4/11 criteria (see below).
3. Assoc. findings: fails the modified Schober's test, increased occiput to wall distance, springing of the ASIS.

CRITERIA
1. Inflammatory back pain
2. Heel pain
3. Dactylics
4. Uveitis
5. Positive family Hx
6. HLA-B27 positive
7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
8. Alternating buttock pain
9. Psoriasis
10. Asymmetric arthritis
11. Positive response to NSAIDs

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].