Anaesthetic management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis

SummaryAnkylosing spondylitis continues to be a challenge for the anaesthetist because the rigid, immobile, yet fragile spine makes not only intubation and general anaesthesia but also central neuraxial anaesthesia difficult. The article aims to provide an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, systemic involvement of the disease process with an emphasis on the anaesthetic management of these patients.