Ankylosis is the partial or total reduction in the movement capacity of a joint, usually due to two bones having joined together within the joint (osseous ankylosis). It can also occur as a result of stiffness of the joint tissues (fibrous ankylosis). Joints are structures that facilitate the union of two bones through a joint capsule, ligaments and cartilage. Stiffness and loss of mobility is usually a progressive process. The most common ankylosis is the knee, but shoulder, elbow, and ankle ankylosis are also common.
Causes of ankylosis
Wide variety of causes
The causes of ankylosis are very diverse. This disorder is often created by significant trauma or congenital problems. It can also be of unknown cause (idiopathic) or the product of another disease such as osteomyelitis or tuberculosis. Sometimes it occurs through a surgical operation with the purpose of immobilizing some joints. Ankylopoietic spondylitis and the very common rheumatoid arthritis may also be behind ankylosis.
Ankylosis can be classified in several ways:
– Due to compromised structures: bone ankylosis and fibrous ankylosis or false ankylosis. In the first, two bones join together within the joint, in the second, the soft parts, the joint tissues, become inflamed.
– By the region involved: spine, temporomandibular joint, knee, hip…
– By evolution: permanent or temporary.
– By laterality: unilateral or bilateral.
Symptoms of ankylosis
Joint stiffness
The symptoms of this disease are various and are related to the absence of joint mobility:
– Rigidity.
– Loss of mobility in the extremities.
– Inflammation.
– Continued pain.
– Fever (on those occasions when there is infection).
Diagnosis of ankylosis
Physical examination and complementary tests
Physical examination by the doctor can detect the presence of ankylosis, but it is usually accompanied by other tests. The blood test allows us to check for infections and other conditions. Imaging detection technology is also used to accurately certify the status of affected joints.
Ankylosis treatment and medication
Improving symptoms
The treatment of this disease seeks to improve the symptoms and correct the cause that caused it and includes medication, surgery and physiotherapy.
After ankylosis is detected, anti-inflammatories and analgesics are used to improve symptoms. They usually contain steroids that act as anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants. The medication is complemented by a series of exercises ordered by the physiotherapist. The goal of these exercises is to increase joint mobility and relieve symptoms.
In extreme cases, surgery can be used to repair the affected joint structures, which can be, depending on the case, open or laparoscopic. The latter is less invasive.
Prevention of ankylosis
steam baths
Aside from the indicated treatment, there are a series of guidelines and daily habits with the aim of reducing pain and stiffness. It is advisable to take a steam bath every day, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, on the affected limb. It is also appropriate to gently massage the joint in which the stiffness has occurred with a movement that goes from the involved area to the healthy areas. And eat a healthy diet to avoid weight gain.
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