About Ankylosing Spondylitis
Key Highlights
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Focuses on long-term disease management and improving quality of life.Combines medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications for a holistic approach.Aims to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation to maintain spinal mobility.Helps prevent or delay complications like spinal fusion and deformity.Personalized treatment plans are developed by a specialist in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent inflammatory back pain and stiffness, typically worse in the morning or after rest.
- Reduced spinal mobility and chest expansion.
- Positive findings on imaging (X-ray or MRI) showing sacroiliitis or spinal inflammation.
- Elevated inflammatory markers (like CRP or ESR) in blood tests.
- Presence of extra-articular manifestations like uveitis (eye inflammation), psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Family history of AS or related spondyloarthritis conditions.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed medical history, including symptom onset, pattern, and family history.
- Undergo diagnostic tests as advised, which may include blood tests (HLA-B27, CRP, ESR) and imaging (X-rays, MRI of the pelvis and spine).
- Discuss all current medications, supplements, and allergies with the rheumatologist.
- Prepare a list of questions and concerns about the diagnosis and long-term management plan.
- For certain treatments like biologic injections, ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations and screened for infections like tuberculosis as required.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication side effects: NSAIDs can cause stomach upset or kidney issues; biologics may increase infection risk.
- Progression of disease leading to spinal fusion (ankylosis), resulting in reduced flexibility and posture changes.
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and spinal fractures.
- Potential for extra-articular complications affecting the eyes (uveitis), heart, or lungs.
- Emotional and psychological impact due to chronic pain and lifestyle adjustments.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Management is ongoing; there is no 'recovery' in the traditional sense, but rather continuous disease control.
- Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is crucial for suppressing inflammation.
- Regular, daily exercises and physiotherapy are essential to maintain posture, flexibility, and strength.
- Schedule regular follow-up appointments with the rheumatologist to monitor disease activity and adjust treatment.
- Adopt joint-protecting techniques, use supportive devices if needed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with good posture practices.
- Seek prompt medical attention for new symptoms like eye pain or redness (possible uveitis).
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Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days)
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Expected recovery time: Lifelong management; initial symptom control may take several weeks to months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ankylosing spondylitis in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with rheumatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ankylosing spondylitis. MediFyr helps you compare rheumatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ankylosing spondylitis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 544 – USD 3,263 | Usually outpatient (0 days) | ~ Lifelong management; initial symptom control may take several weeks to months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 4,026 – USD 24,158 | Usually outpatient (0 days) | ~ Lifelong management; initial symptom control may take several weeks to months | Know More |
A 12-year-old girl from a rural...
A 12-year-old girl from a rural Tamil Nadu village presented with unexplained joint swelling and fatigue. Her agricultural laborer family had limited resources. Dr. Hema diagnosed juvenile idiopathic arthritis after comprehensive testing. Through a subsidized treatment program she helped arrange, the patient received biologic therapy. Within 6 months, she returned to school with minimal symptoms, her family deeply grateful for the financial and medical support.