Authors : Rajiv Lakhotia, Somnath Longani, Rakhi Gupta
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijca.2022.074
Volume : 9
Issue : 3
Year : 2022
Page No : 374-378
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) may present significant issues to the anaesthesiologist as potential difficult airway, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, and the concomitant medication therapy to modify symptoms and disease. Awake fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) is a safe option in anticipated difficult airway, as it permits neurological monitoring throughout the attempt at achieving definitive airway. Central neuraxial blockade and peripheral nerve blocks may have good application for these cases. This morbidity renders the patients to greater risk of neurological complications in the peri-surgical period. Neurophysiological monitoring assists the clinician in timely diagnosis and intervention during surgery for cervical spine deformity correction. Addition of anti-tumour necrosis factor-? agents to the medical management has resulted in improved outcomes, however, with concomitant increased potential for wound infections in treated patients. Understanding of potential issues can pave the way for appropriate perioperative management.
Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis, Awake fibreoptic intubation, Regional anaesthesia, Spondyloarthropathy.