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Surgery

Surgical treatment may be necessary for some complications of ankylosing spondylitis.

• Surgical fusion may be required to stabilize atlantoaxial subluxation.

• Cervical spine fractures require rigid immobilization, usually with a halo (a circular metal band used in a halo cast or halo brace that is attached to the skull with pins). In such cases, surgical fusion is usually not required.

• Surgery is rarely indicated for correction of uncomplicated thoracic kyphosis (excessive curvature of the upper part of the spine, resulting in hunchback).

• Thoracolumbar fractures require reduction of displacement and stabilization, usually with rods. Laminectomy (a surgery to remove part of the lamina of the vertebral body) is rarely needed.

• Decompression of cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis is performed when nerves are compressed.



• If weight-bearing joints are involved, hip or knee replacement may be necessary.