QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Pain in ankylosing spondylitis typically improves with use, as with other causes of inflammatory back pain. Patients do usually complain of stiffness with rest, particularly in the morning. Pain which worsens with use would be more in line with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
10006957
b
Pain gets worse with activity
QuestionChoice
Ankylosing spondylitis typically causes loss of lumbar lordosis, with increased kyphosis. A reduced range of lumbar motion is observed in AS, which is tested for using Schober's test.
10006958
c
Increased lumbar lordosis
QuestionChoice
Erythema nodosum is not associated with AS, but does have an association with sarcoidosis. It is caused by swollen fat under the skin which causes dark bumps and patches.
10006959
d
Erythema nodosum
QuestionChoice
Psoriatic plaques are a key finding in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which may present with similar features to AS, but more commonly involves the small joints of the hands and feet.
10006960
e
Psoriatic plaques
QuestionChoice
Ankylosing spondylitis typically causes reduced flexion of the lumbar spine. This can be confirmed using Schober's test. This is caused by new bone formation at the level of joint capsules and cartilage resulting in the characteristic "bamboo spine" appearance.
10006956
a
Reduced flexion of the lumbar spine
Concept
Chapter
2693
3911
ankylosing spondylitis
Topic
146
Rheumatology
13938
A 26-year-old male presents complaining of worsening back pain over the past 18 months. He has been to see a chiropractor and a physiotherapist previously, but has not seen significant improvement. Following further investigations, a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is suspected.

Which of the following findings is most likely present in this patient?
a