Spatial distribution of syndesmophytes along the vertebral rim in ankylosing spondylitis: preferential involvement of the posterolateral rim.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Syndesmophytes in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can occur anywhere along the vertebral rim, but little is known about how and where they develop, and particularly if they first form in certain locations along the rim. This information might provide clues to their aetiology. We examined the spatial distribution of syndesmophytes in the thoracolumbar spine in patients with AS using CT.

Methods

We performed lumbar spine CT scans in 50 patients and used a validated computer algorithm to measure syndesmophyte heights in six intervertebral disc spaces. We measured heights every five radial degrees around the rim of each superior and inferior vertebral endplate.

Results

Syndesmophytes were observed in 208 of 296 intervertebral disc spaces. Both ascending and descendi

SUBMITTER: Tan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5072453 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature