A case of severe ankylosing spondylitis posted for hip replacement surgery

Abstract

A 50-year-old male patient with history of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) for 30 years presented for hip replacement surgery. Airway management in ankylosing spondylitis patients presents the most serious array of intubation and airway hazards imagin-able, which is secondary to decrease in cervical spine mobility and possible temporo-mandibular joint disease. Literatures support definitive airway management and many authors consider regional anaesthesia to be contraindicated. The reasons cited include inability to gain neuraxial access and the need for urgent airway control in case of complication of regional anaesthesia.

Keywords

• Ankylosing spondylitis; Patient positioning; ′Bamboo spine′; Difficult intubation