Many cases of ankylosing spondylitis are treated without surgery (see Diagnosing and Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis). These treatments may include anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and drugs, and physical therapy.
If the disease has progressed to the point that daily activities are severely impaired, then surgery may be an option.
In extremely rare cases, a procedure called an osteotomy with fusion may be used to straighten the spine and fuse the vertebrae in better alignment. The goal of surgery is to eliminate compression of the nerve roots, and the second is to stabilize and fuse the spine with bone graft, screws, and rods. The most common surgical procedures for ankylosing spondylitis are:
Laminectomy: A laminectomy is performed to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. This surgical procedure involves removing part of the vertebra bone called the lamina in order to relieve pressure on the nerves. This minimally invasive technique requires a small incision in the back, where the muscles are pushed aside rather than cut. The surgery lasts approximately 1-2 hours.
Fusion: Fusion may be required in cases of trauma when there is a fracture to the fused spine. This often involves the placement of screws and rods in order to stabilize the spine and allow the fused spine to heal over time.
The spine surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are part of Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, which is rated one of the leading hospitals in New York. Together, the Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center team is the best choice for your back (see Doctors Who Treat Ankylosing Spondylitis).
Reviewed by: Paul Park, MD
Last reviewed/last updated: April 2024
