Question

A 31 year old male comes to the clinic with complaints of upper back pain and stiffness that improves with exercise but does not resolve with rest. He has taken NSAIDs for the past 12 weeks but has not seen an improvement. Upon examination, the nurse practitioner notices that the patient is slightly hunched over. A spinal radiograph is ordered, which indicated classic "bamboo spine". Which of the following diagnoses is this most consistent with?

a. Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine
b. Spinal menigitis
c. Lumbar spine degeneration
d. Ankylosing spondylitis

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms and findings on a spinal radiograph are most consistent with Ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described by the patient, including upper back pain and stiffness that improves with exercise but does not resolve with rest, along with the presence of a hunched over posture and the presence of "bamboo spine" on a spinal radiograph, are highly indicative of Ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness, which can lead to fusion and rigidity of the spine over time. NSAIDs are commonly used to manage the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, but other treatment options may be considered depending on the severity of the condition.