Ankylosis Health Dictionary

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Ankylosis: From 3 Different Sources

Complete loss of movement in a joint caused by fusion of the bony surfaces.

Ankylosis may be due to degeneration as a result of inflammation, infection, or injury, or be produced surgically by surgery to fuse a diseased joint to correct deformity or to alleviate persistent pain (see arthrodesis).

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
The condition of a joint in which the movements are restricted by ?brous bands, or by malformation, or by actual union of the bones. (See JOINTS, DISEASES OF.)
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. pathological fusion of two bones across a joint space resulting from prolonged joint inflammation or infection. In bony ankylosis the joint space is obliterated by bony tissue as a result of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing *spondylitis *psoriatic arthritis, *rheumatoid arthritis, or *septic arthritis. Fibrous ankylosis, in which there is a shortening of the connecting fibrous tissue, results from healing with fibrosis and is commonly associated with chronic arthritis due to tuberculous infection.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Ankylosing Spondylitis

A chronic inflammatory condition attacking joints of the spine and sacroiliac resulting in fixation by bony ankylosis. Intercostal joints also at risk. Bamboo spine. Poker spine. Genetic factor involved. Abnormal immune response to infection. Sometimes associated with anaemia, ulcerative colitis or psoriasis. Neglected symptoms degenerate into ‘an old man with a hoop’.

Symptoms. Persistent stiffness and pain in buttocks and low back. Poor chest expansion. Worse on rising and after inactivity. Rigidity develops over many years in neck and back.

The patient should be examined for bloodshot eyes. In the formative stages iritis is a classic diagnostic sign. An iritis which does not cause eyelids to be stuck down in the mornings is to be regarded with extreme caution. See: IRITIS.

Treatment. Anti-inflammatory analgesics: Guaiacum, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Teas. Bogbean, Celery seeds, Devil’s Claw root, German Chamomile, Meadowsweet, Prickly Ash bark, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Devil’s Claw, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Bamboo gum.

Formula. White Willow 2; Celery 1; Black Cohosh half; Guaiacum quarter; Liquorice quarter. Mix. Dose: Powders – 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 15-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Topical. Liniment. Tincture Black Cohosh 2; Tincture Lobelia 2; Tincture Capsicum quarter; Alcohol to 20.

Cold packs: See entry.

Aromatherapy. Massage oil: 6 drops Oil Lavender in 2 teaspoons Almond oil. Jojoba, Aloe Vera, Thyme, Peanut oil.

Diet. See: GENERAL DIET. Avoid lemons and other citrus fruits.

Supplements. Daily. Pantothenic acid 10mg; Vitamin A 7500iu; Vitamin B6 25mg; Vitamin E 400iu; Zinc 25mg. Cod Liver oil: 1 dessertspoon.

General. Graduated exercises to promote good posture and free breathing. Swimming; walk-tall; sleep with board under mattress; hot baths. Gentle osteopathy to delay consolidation of vertebrae. ... ankylosing spondylitis

Arthrodesis

n. artificial ankylosis: the fusion of bones across a joint space by surgical means, in order to eliminate movement. This operation is performed when a joint is very painful, highly unstable, grossly deformed or chronically infected, or when an *arthroplasty would be inadvisable or impossible. See also Charnley clamps.... arthrodesis

Spondylitis

n. inflammation of the synovial joints of the backbone. Ankylosing spondylitis is a *sero-negative arthritis; 90% of cases carry the tissue-type antigen HLA-B27 (see HLA system). Ankylosing spondylitis predominantly affects young adult Caucasian males and the inflammation affects the joint capsules and their attached ligaments and tendons, principally the intervertebral joints and sacroiliac joints (see sacroiliitis). The resultant pain and stiffness are treated by analgesics (including *NSAIDs), physiotherapy, and biological *disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The disorder can lead to severe deformities of the spine (see kyphosis; ankylosis) and the hip joint, in which case surgical correction or *arthroplasty may be required.... spondylitis

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