Bony fusion and Spinal Compression Fractue
Ankylosing spondylitis can trigger bone overgrowth, which can lead to abnormal bone joining, called “bony fusion.” Fusion that affects the neck, back, or hip bones can impact your capacity to do everyday things. Rib fusion to the spine or breastbone may restrict your capacity to expand your chest when you take a deep breath. It may even cause symptoms like chest pain and tenderness that can aggravate lifting heavy objects, coughing and sneezing.
Bony fusion can lead to bent back bone. It is one of the most troublesome signs as well as complications of ankylosing spondylitis. It especially develops when AS has gone undiagnosed and untreated for a long period of time. A constant inflammation of the vertebral bones, muscle strains and scarring of the connective tissue collectively lead to the bent posture. It is characterized by having a stooped posture from changes to your vertebrae.
Weakness of the bones can occur in people with ankylosing spondylitis. Depending on the severity of the disease, AS can cause weakened bones that eventually collapse – leading to the fracture known as a spinal compression fracture.
In most cases with bent spine, the underlying cause is usually a compression fracture. Sometimes, these fractures also lead to compression of nerves. If this happens, it may cause pain and numbness in the hips and legs.