Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis treatment prices in Germany are normally 75% below the cost for Ankylosing Spondylitis in the US and are individually quoted. They include all medical expenses, the hospital stay, surgeon's fees, operation room fees, anesthesia, anesthesiologist's fees, medicine, nursing, semi-private room, meals, pre-op diagnosis, local phone and English TV.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: What is it?

Ankylosing Spondylitis also known as Bechterew's disease; Bechterew syndrome; Marie Strümpell disease / Marie Struempell disease) is a chronic, painful, progressive inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting spine and sacroiliac joints, causing eventual fusion of the spine; it is a member of the group of the autoimmune spondyloarthropathies with a probable genetic predisposition. Complete fusion results in a complete rigidity of the spine, a condition known as bamboo spine.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Associated Conditions

A past history of Ititis and gastrointestinal infections like Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis are checked for as it is most commonly found in association with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment

There are three major types of medications used to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis.

• NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indometacin, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors, which reduce inflammation and pain. These drugs tend to have a personal response to the pain and inflammation, although commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs like nimesulide are less effective than others
• DMARDs such as ciclosporin, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and corticosteroids, used to reduce the immune system response through immunosuppression
• TNFα blockers (antagonists) such as etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab (also known as biologics), are indicated for the treatment of and are effective immunosuppressants in AS as in other autoimmune diseases; TNFα blockers have been shown to be the best promising treatment, slowing the progress of AS in the majority of clinical cases. They have also been shown to be highly effective in treating not only the arthritis of the joints but the spinal arthritis associated with AS. A drawback is the fact that these drugs increase the risk of infections. For this reason, the protocol for any of the TNF-α blockers include a test for tubercolosis (like Mantoux or Heaf) before starting treatment. In case of recurrent infections, like even recurrent sore throats, the therapy may be suspended due to the involved immunosuppression.

Surgical Treatment - When the joints are severely affected and the patient has no relief with medical treatment. The types of surgery involved in Ankylosing Spondylitis are as follows:

• Joint replacement surgery - This is a surgical operation, where the affected joint is removed and replaced by suitable artificial joint structures.
• Lumbar spinal osteotomy - Is done to correct the permanently bent posture of persons in advanced stages of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

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The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

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Ankylosing Spondylitis