Why is ankylosing spondylitis a concern when planning foot/ankle surgery?

Why is ankylosing spondylitis a concern when planning foot/ankle surgery?

• A. Increases risk of infection
• B. It causes poor wound healing
• C. Severe spine deformities can significantly reduce functional residual and vital lung capacities
• D. It has no impact on surgical risk

Answer: (C)

In ankylosing spondylitis, the spine can become severely stiff and kyphotic, which limits chest wall expansion. This creates a restrictive pattern of lung function, with reduced functional residual capacity (FRC) and vital capacity (VC). Those reduced lung volumes mean less reserve for ventilation during anesthesia and recovery, increasing the risk of hypoxemia, atelectasis, and postoperative pulmonary complications. Because the respiratory reserve is a critical factor in safely proceeding with surgery and anesthesia, this pulmonary limitation from spine deformity is the main concern when planning foot/ankle procedures.

In ankylosing spondylitis, the spine can become severely stiff and kyphotic, which limits chest wall expansion. This creates a restrictive pattern of lung function, with reduced functional residual capacity (FRC) and vital capacity (VC). Those reduced lung volumes mean less reserve for ventilation during anesthesia and recovery, increasing the risk of hypoxemia, atelectasis, and postoperative pulmonary complications. Because the respiratory reserve is a critical factor in safely proceeding with surgery and anesthesia, this pulmonary limitation from spine deformity is the main concern when planning foot/ankle procedures.