Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Methods
Jun 18, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
1. Pharmacological therapy, primarily including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids, and biologic agents;
2. Minimally invasive therapy, utilizing techniques such as image-guided minimally invasive release to alleviate inflammatory adhesions and deliver medications directly into the joint space, thereby reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring joint mobility;
3. Surgical intervention, involving orthopedic procedures to correct spinal or joint fusion—for example, spinal osteotomy.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease caused by immune system dysfunction, leading to sterile inflammation that erodes the spinal joints, large peripheral joints, sacroiliac joints, and other affected sites. So, what are the available treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis? Below, we address this question.
Treatment Options for Ankylosing Spondylitis
1. Pharmacological Therapy
Pharmacological therapy is one of the primary and most commonly used treatment approaches for most AS patients. It effectively reduces joint swelling and promotes resolution of inflammation, thereby alleviating pain and improving quality of life. However, long-term medication use may cause adverse effects, and disease relapse upon discontinuation remains a significant concern for many patients. Commonly prescribed medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids, and biologic agents.
2. Minimally Invasive Therapy
Minimally invasive therapy bridges the gap between conservative (non-surgical) and surgical interventions. Using image-guided techniques—such as minimally invasive dissection—it aims to release inflammatory adhesions and deliver therapeutic agents directly into the joint cavity, thereby reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring joint mobility. This approach is primarily indicated for joint-related pathologies and tissue injury conditions, and demands a high level of clinical expertise from the treating physician.
3. Surgical Intervention
Surgical correction—such as spinal osteotomy—is performed to address spinal joint fusion in advanced AS. Thoracolumbar or lumbar osteotomy can achieve comprehensive realignment and restore global sagittal balance, maximizing correction of postural deformity. However, extensive osteotomy carries inherent risks, including instability of corrective realignment, vascular injury, and compromised blood supply. Surgery is generally reserved for late-stage patients with complete spinal fusion and severe deformity who have failed to respond to minimally invasive therapies.
The above outlines the main treatment modalities for ankylosing spondylitis. We hope this information is helpful to you.
