Anesthetic challenges in patients with ankylosing spondylitis requiring lower limb surgery – A case report and literature review

• Published in: Revista română de reumatologie Vol. 32; no. 1; pp. 31 - 34
• Main Authors: Zeca, Vlad-Cristian, Cotae, Ana-Maria, Cobilinschi, Cristian, Ungureanu, Raluca, Tincu, Radu, Cobilinschi, Claudia, Mirea, Liliana, Grintescu, Ioana Marina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amaltea Medical Publishing House 31-03-2023
• Subjects: ankylosing spondylitis; general anesthesia; hip surgery; spinal anesthesia
• ISSN: 1843-0791; 2069-6086
• DOI: 10.37897/RJR.2023.1.3

Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the top global health burdens and patients affected by it frequently require surgery related to disease progression, such as orthopedic surgery. These patients may prove difficult to manage from an anesthetic standpoint, regardless of the anesthetic technique employed, mainly given the potential for difficult airway access and related comorbidities. We present the case of a 52-year-old male posted for urgent cemented total hip arthroplasty with associated bilateral pulmonary fibrosis and an anticipated difficult airway in whom regional anesthesia was performed with satisfactory results, with a favorable intraoperative and postoperative course. The literature review explores the anesthetic techniques employed when a tailored approach is required in managing patients with ankylosing spondylitis.