PTA Physical Therapy Assistant

Answer: A - In ankylosing spondylitis, the characteristic “bamboo spine “appears in an anteroposterior X-ray.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, progressive, crippling disease affecting the spine. There should be a strong genetic association for this condition to occur. Commonly HLA - B27 factor are more prone for contracting the disease. In lab testing, this factor will be positive.
In the final stage there will be calcification of the lateral ligaments of the spine producing a “bamboo spine” appearance.

Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the peripheral joints. There will be soft tissue swelling around the joints and there will be narrowing of joint space.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which there will be narrowing of joint space.

Charcot’s joints are sclerosis of bone - new bone formation with absorption and smoothening of the articular end.