Ankylosis spondylosis

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🔷 Ankylosis

📌 Definition:

Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or immobility of a joint due to abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones. This can result from fusion of bones across a joint, either through fibrous tissue or bony tissue.

🧠 Causes:

  1. Autoimmune Diseases – especially:

    • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) – a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the spine and sacroiliac joints to fuse.

  2. Infections – e.g., tuberculosis arthritis.

  3. Trauma – leading to joint injury and fibrous healing.

  4. Post-surgical fusion – intentional or as a complication.

  5. Advanced arthritis – e.g., Rheumatoid arthritis leading to fibrosis.

🔍 Types of Ankylosis:

Type Description
Fibrous Ankylosis Joints become stiff due to fibrous tissue – some limited movement may remain.
Bony Ankylosis Bones fuse together completely – no movement possible.

💢 Clinical Presentation:

  • Stiffness in affected joints

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Deformity in advanced cases

  • Pain (early stages), later may be pain-free due to complete fusion

🧴 Physiotherapy Role in Ankylosis:

  • Early Stages:

    • Maintain range of motion (ROM)

    • Posture training

    • Pain management (e.g., hot packs, TENS)

    • Strengthening exercises

  • Advanced Stages:

    • Adaptive techniques

    • Mobility aids (e.g., canes, orthotics)

    • Education for joint protection

🔷 Spondylosis

📌 Definition:

Spondylosis is a general term for age-related degeneration of the spine, particularly the intervertebral discs and facet joints. It can lead to disc bulging, bone spurs (osteophytes), and narrowing of spinal canals.

🧠 Causes:

  • Aging

  • Repetitive stress on the spine

  • Poor posture

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Genetics

🔍 Types of Spondylosis (by region):

Type Area Affected Symptoms
Cervical Spondylosis Neck Neck pain, stiffness, radiating arm pain, headaches
Thoracic Spondylosis Mid-back Rare; back stiffness, discomfort
Lumbar Spondylosis Lower back Low back pain, sciatica, leg weakness or numbness

💢 Clinical Presentation:

  • Chronic spinal pain (neck or back)

  • Morning stiffness that improves with activity

  • Radiculopathy (nerve compression signs)

  • Limited range of motion

  • Crepitus (grinding noise during movement)

🧴 Physiotherapy Role in Spondylosis:

  • Pain Relief:

    • Heat/cold therapy

    • Electrotherapy (IFT, TENS)

  • Improving Mobility:

    • Stretching tight muscles

    • Joint mobilizations

  • Strengthening:

    • Core and spinal muscle strengthening

    • Posture correction exercises

  • Ergonomics & Lifestyle Modifications

🔁 Connection Between the Two:

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis is a specific autoimmune condition that causes both spondylosis-like degeneration and ankylosis due to fusion of the spine.

  • Over time, spondylosis can contribute to stiffness, but it does not typically cause bony fusion like ankylosis unless severe complications occur.

📋 Summary Chart:

Feature Ankylosis Spondylosis
Type Joint fusion (stiffness) Spine degeneration
Cause Inflammation, autoimmune, trauma Aging, wear and tear
Movement Severely limited or absent Limited, may be painful
Example Condition Ankylosing spondylitis Cervical/lumbar spondylosis
Treatment Focus Preserve function, avoid deformity Relieve pain, strengthen spine


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