Most people withankylosing spondylitis(AS), a bang out of chronic inflammatory arthritis, dont require surgery.
The key in of surgery recommendedbe it a joint replacement or spine surgerydepends on the case.
SI joints support the entire upper body and are connected by strong ligaments.
Get our printable guide for the next doctor’s appointment to help ask the right questions.
Joints like the hips, knees, or shoulders can become deformed and damaged due to the inflammation.
People have two facet joints between each pair of vertebrae, which are the small bones forming the backbone.
If facet joints are severely affected, a C-shape rounding of the back known askyphosismay occur.
Surgery can:
Recap
AS is an inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the pelvis and spine.
The pop in of surgery recommended will depend on each persons individual situation and symptoms.
Hip Replacement
People with AS frequently develop damage in the tissues and joints of the hips.
Hip replacement surgerycan be helpful for severe damage that restricts mobility and compromises quality of life.
Research on outcomes for people with ankylosing spondylitis who have hip replacements is still somewhat limited, however.
Osteotomy of the Spine
Osteotomyis surgery to cut and reshape bone.
Studies have found that osteotomy surgeries are typically successful for kyphosis in patients with AS.
They are able to look straight ahead when walking and lie on their backs again after the procedure.
However, spine surgeries do come with risks.
There were no deaths or cases complete paralysis reported.
This may be done to stabilize the spine.
It may be done after an osteotomy if bones become damaged or if there was significant bone removal.
Muscles in the area are pushed aside as well.
By doing this, pressure is taken off the spine and compression of the nerve roots is eliminated.
In some cases, screws and rods are used to hold vertebrae together after a procedure.
Planning ahead for surgery and recovery will help ensure a successful outcome.
Talk to a healthcare provider and ask questions about concerns.
Get our printable guide for the next doctor’s appointment to help ask the right questions.
To make recovery easier, take time to make home more comfortable and safer.
Ask the surgeons office for recommendations.
Surgery Preparations
verify to follow through on any instructions given prior to surgery.
Recovery will be a lot quicker if one has what they need and asks for help.
Patients will also be assigned a secure place to keep belongings.
Once changed, patients will meet with the preoperative nurse who will prepare them for the procedure.
Patients will then read and sign surgical and anesthesia consent forms.
Patients can ask any remaining questions they have at this time.
They will be hooked up to machines to measure heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, andblood oxygen.
The anesthesiologist will likely will be given general anesthesia to put the patient to sleep.
The surgeon will then arrive and perform the procedure.
Before surgery, patients will need time to prepare themselves, both physically and psychologically.
Ask questions whenever so that the steps of the surgery are understood and options can be properly evaluated.
With minimally invasive procedures, incisions are smaller, which may lead to less blood loss and pain.
The healthcare provider will then remove any damaged cartilage and attach the replacement socket to the hipbone.
Screws are often inserted in the vertebrae above and below the bone.
Next, the spine may be realigned.
The surgeon will manipulate the spine to a new position, using implants to help determine the needed correction.
Once the vertebrae are realigned, rods are placed into the screws added at the start of the surgery.
This is done to help hold the vertebrae in place so they can heal in the new position.
Finally, the incision is closed in layers and the wound dressed with a gauze bandage.
Joint replacement and spine surgeries are often minimally invasive to reduce the risk of complications and speed healing.
General anesthesia is typically used to put patients in a sleep-like state for surgery.
Monitors will be checking heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.
Nurses will check the surgical area.
Patients may be placed on oxygen until they recover fully from the anesthesia.
They may also be given pain medicine ordered by the surgeon.
Once home, patients will need to make an appointment for a follow-up postoperative visit with the surgeon.
A program may involve strengthening, conditioning, and stretching to offer patients the most positive outcomes.
Patients can also take prescribed pain medications to make the process easier and less painful.
It may help patients feel more supported and offer a chance to share experiences and resources.
During recovery, physical therapy can be a key part of healing and regaining mobility.
Most joint replacement surgeries and spine surgeries dont have major complications.
The most common complication was infection at the surgical site.
Risks also vary based on the punch in of surgery and individual health conditions.
Hip and other joint replacement surgeries can improve mobility and reduce pain.
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