What is rugger spine?

What is rugger spine?

Rugger jersey spine describes the prominent endplate densities at multiple contiguous vertebral levels to produce an alternating sclerotic-lucent-sclerotic appearance. This mimics the horizontal stripes of a rugby jersey. This term and pattern are distinctive for hyperparathyroidism.

What is squaring of vertebrae?

Vertebral squaring, or straightening of the anterior border of the vertebral body, is a well-recognized radiographic feature of spondyloarthritis (1). Squaring can be designated as a pathological change when it occurs in vertebrae in which the normal contour of the anterior border is concave.

What is dagger spine?

The dagger sign is a radiographic feature seen in ankylosing spondylitis as a single central radiodense line on frontal radiographs related to ossification of the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments secondary to enthesitis 1. It is possible for the radiodense line to extent into the sacrum 2.

What part of the spine is affected by ankylosing spondylitis?

The areas most commonly affected are: The joint between the base of the spine and the pelvis. The vertebrae in the lower back. The places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones, mainly in the spine, but sometimes along the back of the heel.

What is a bamboo spine?

Bamboo spine describes an advanced case of ankylosing spondylitis, in which there is a complete fusion of the bones of the spine, turning the spinal column into one long bone, resembling a bamboo stalk.

What is a Syndesmophyte?

Definition. Syndesmophytes: osseous excrescences or bony outgrowths from the spinal ligaments as they attach to adjacent vertebral bodies.

What does the spine look like with ankylosing spondylitis?

Fused vertebrae can flatten the natural curves of the spine, which causes an inflexible, hunched posture. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched posture.

What does the pain of ankylosing spondylitis feel like?

People with Ankylosing Spondylitis often describe an ongoing, dull pain that feels like it’s coming from deep within their lower back or buttocks, along with morning stiffness. It is not unusual for symptoms to worsen, get better or stop completely at regular intervals.

What does a bamboo spine look like?

Sometimes, this inflammation leads to the bones of the spine fusing, resulting in one long bone. This is known as bamboo spine because of how the spine resembles a long, grooved stick of bamboo. The condition causes symptoms that can worsen over time, such as: reduced flexibility in the spine.

What can be done for bamboo spine?

Treatment regimens include medication, exercise and possibly physical therapy, as well as good posture practices. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and new biologic medicines can reduce pain and help limit the risk of disability.

What is a Spondylophyte?

Osteophytes—better known as bone spurs—are small, smooth bony growths that may develop near the edges of a vertebral body’s endplates (called spondylophytes) or the spine’s facet joints where cartilage has worn. An osteophyte can grow at any level of the spinal column—neck, mid back, low back.

What happens if ankylosing spondylitis is not treated?

AS causes inflammation in the spine, and if this inflammation goes untreated, the vertebrae in the spine can fuse together, impacting a person’s mobility and appearance. Depending on where the spine fuses and how severe it is, AS could result in a curved back or hunchback–or worse, the inability to lift your neck.