Determinants of the patient global assessment of well-being in early axial spondyloarthritis: 5-year longitudinal data from the DESIR cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the determinants of patient well-being over time, and the influence of age, gender and education in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). METHODS: Five-year data from DESIR, a cohort of early axSpA, were analysed. The outcome was the BAS-G over 5 years. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to test the relationship between potential explanatory variables from five outcome domains (disease activity, physical function, spinal mobility, structural damage and axial inflammation) and BAS-G over time. Longitudinal relationships were analysed using an autoregressive GEE model. Age, gender and educational level were tested as effect modifiers or confounders. RESULTS: A total of 708 patients were included. Higher BASDAI questions on fatigue [ß (95% CI): 0.17 (0.13, 0.22)], back pain [0.51 (0.46, 0.56)], peripheral joint pain [0.08 (0.04, 0.12)] and severity of morning stiffness [0.08 (0.03-0.13)], and higher BASFI [0.14 (0.08, 0.19)] were associated with a higher BAS-G. In the autoregressive model, the same variables except for morning stiffness were associated with a worsening in BAS-G. Age, gender and educational level were neither effect modifiers nor confounders. CONCLUSION: A higher level of back pain is associated with a worsening of patient well-being, as are, though to a lesser extent, higher levels of fatigue, peripheral joint pain and physical disability. Age, gender and educational level do not have an impact on these relationships.

Incidence, diagnosis and management of sacroiliitis after spinal surgery: a systematic review of the literature.

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a possible source of persistent or new onset pain after lumbar or lumbosacral fusion. The aim of this paper is to systematically review and analyze the available literature related to the incidence, diagnosis and management of sacroiliitis after spinal arthrodesis. The authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all articles identified concerning sacroiliac joint pain after lumbar or lumbosacral fusion, to assess their suitability to the research focus. The average incidence of sacroiliitis after lumbar or lumbosacral arthrodesis was found to be 37 ± 28.48 (range 6-75), increasing directly to the number of fused segments involved, especially when the sacrum is included. The most accurate evaluation is the image-guided injection of anesthetic solutions in the joint. Surgery treatment may be considered when conservative therapy fails, with open surgery or with minimally invasive SIJ fusion. Although the risk of developing SIJ degeneration is unclear, the results indicate that pain and degeneration of SIJ develop more often in patients undergoing lumbosacral fusion regardless of the number of melting segments. The treatment of sacroiliitis appears to be independent of his etiology, with or without previous instrumentation on several levels.

Characteristics and burden of disease in patients with radiographic and non-radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis: a comparison by systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To compare the clinical characteristics, burden of disease (eg, disease activity, function, quality of life), treatment modalities and treatment effect in patients with radiographic and non-radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA and nr-axSpA). Methods: A systematic literature review (2009-2018) was performed using the participants, intervention, comparator and outcomes methodology. Studies reporting outcomes (clinical presentation, burden of disease, treatment modalities and treatment effect) of both r-axSpA and nr-axSpA were included. A pooled analysis was performed (standardised means difference and relative risk for continuous and binary variables, respectively) and random or fixed effects methods were used depending on the heterogeneity of the studies. Results: 60 studies out of 787 references were included. Pooled analysis showed that, compared with patients with nr-axSpA, patients with r-axSpA were more frequently men (69.6% vs 53.6%), smokers (37.7% vs 31.1%) and had higher mean disease duration (8.6 vs 5.0 years) and longer time to diagnosis (6.1 vs 4.2 years). Peripheral manifestations were more prevalent in nr-axSpA, while uveitis and structural damage on MRI of the sacroiliac joints were more prevalent in r-axSpA. C-reactive protein and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Mobility Index were higher in r-axSpA, while Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life were similar in both groups. No significant differences were found with regard to treatment effect. Conclusions: Patients with r-axSpA and nr-axSpA share a similar clinical presentation except for peripheral involvement, which is more prevalent among nr-axSpA. Except for a more impaired mobility in r-axSpA, both groups showed a comparable burden of disease, treatment modalities and treatment effect.

Treatment of Idiopathic Posterior Pelvic Girdle Pain Utilizing a Global Movement Assessment.

Treatment of posterior pelvic girdle pain, including pain generated from the sacroiliac joint [SIJ], can be challenging because the pain can become chronic. A treatment plan targeting only the painful area with isolated treatments such as injection, medication, modalities, or therapy is limited. Globally assessing the patient's kinetic chain is imperative. Identifying a patient's movement impairments within the context of the kinetic chain allows target areas leading to pain in the posterior pelvic region, including the SIJs, to be identified. Before starting an exercise program, the Movement Assessment Tests-7 (MAT-7) can be used to screen the spine, SIJs, and major joints of the extremities to identify movement impairments. Tests that comprise the MAT-7 are comprehensive yet efficient, requiring the patient to pass basic movements before progressing to more advanced movements. This allows the MAT-7 to be tailored to patients of any age or skill level. Using the MAT-7, the provider can identify the most difficult movement a patient does well, which is the starting point from which to progress a patient's therapeutic exercise program. Based on the MAT-7 screen, active therapeutic exercises are prescribed, targeting the movement impairments identified. As a patient advances through their exercise program, the MAT-7 can be applied to reassess a patient's success with the treatment plan and identify any additional target areas. This movement assessment treatment approach is reproducible, teachable, and applicable to not only posterior pelvic and SIJ pain, but also to pain in the spine and other major joints of the extremities.

Assessment of Biomechanical Changes After Sacroiliac Joint Fusion by Application of the 3-Dimensional Motion Analysis Technique.

BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac (SI) joint motion is complex and is poorly understood overall. In this study we evaluated a new biomechanical method developed to provide more insight into SI joint movement and to elucidate biomechanical changes after SI joint fusion surgery in a one-leg standing model. METHODS: Eight lumbosacral cadaver specimens (L5-pelvis specimens, age 28-57 years, 6 female and 2 male) were used in this experiment. We analyzed the changes in range of motion (ROM) in single-plane motion and mobility in 3 groups of patients: intact, unilateral fusion, and bilateral fusion groups. For statistical analysis, we used repeated-measures analysis of variance to compare SI joint ROM among the 3 groups. iFuse implants were prepared using the standard posterior placement technique. Pure-moment multidirectional bending tests were performed in each direction (nutation and counternutation, axial rotation, and lateral bending). RESULTS: Average ROM in single-plane motion and mobility of the intact SI joint were 4.5 ± 3.3° and 4.8 ± 3.4°, respectively in nutation-counternutation; 2.9 ± 2.1° and 3.3 ± 2.3°, respectively, in axial rotation; and 1.5 ± 1.5° and 2.8 ± 2.5°, respectively, in lateral bending. We observed statistically significantly (P = 0.05) greater mobility in lateral moment testing than in single motion testing. Comparisons among the intact, unilateral fusion, and bilateral fusion groups showed statistically significant differences in the lateral moment test. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that our new biomechanical method for SI joint evaluation may provide improved insight into SI joint movement and biomechanical changes after SI joint fusion surgery in a one-leg standing model.

Trabecular bone score as an assessment tool to identify the risk of osteoporosis in axial spondyloarthritis: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the trabecular bone score (TBS) between patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and matched normal controls and identify risk factors associated with a low TBS. METHODS: TBS and BMD were assessed in the two groups (axSpA and control) using DXA. Osteoporosis risk factors and inflammatory markers were also assessed. Disease activity and radiographic progression in the sacroiliac joint and spine were evaluated in the axSpA group. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with TBS. RESULTS: In the axSpA group, 248 subjects were enrolled; an equal number of age- and sex-matched subjects comprised the control group. The mean TBS was 1.43 (0.08) and 1.38 (0.12) in the control and axSpA groups, respectively (P < 0.001); BMD at the lumbar spine did not differ between the two groups. The TBS was negatively correlated with ESR and CRP levels in the axSpA group only (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). Syndesmophytes in the axSpA group was associated with lower TBS (P < 0.001) but higher lumbar BMD (P = 0.021) vs controls. In the multivariate analyses, ESR, CRP and spinal radiographic progression were significantly associated with TBS. CONCLUSION: TBS assessments revealed poor bone quality in patients with axSpA compared with the matched controls. In axSpA, systemic inflammatory markers were negatively correlated with TBS and spinal radiographic progression and inflammatory markers were independently correlated with low TBS. TBS may, therefore, be a useful clinical tool to identify the risk of osteoporosis in patients with axSpA.

Effect of mechanical stress on magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints: assessment of military recruits by magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective: To assess the baseline condition of the SI joints (SIJs) in healthy individuals without symptoms of back pain and to study the effect of mechanical stress caused by intense physical training on MRI of the SIJs. Methods: Twenty-two military recruits underwent an MRI of the SIJs before and after 6 weeks of intense standardized physical training. Bone marrow oedema and structural lesions were scored based on the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) method, by three trained readers blinded for time sequence and clinical findings. Additionally, fulfilment of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) definition of a positive MRI was evaluated. Results: At baseline, 9/22 recruits (40.9%) already presented a SPARCC score ⩾1; this number increased to 11/22 (50.0%) at week 6 (P = 0.625). In these patients, the mean (SD) SPARCC score was 2.4 (0.4) at baseline, compared to 3.7 (1.3) at week 6. Overall, the mean (SD) change in SPARCC score over time in all 22 patients was 0.9 (0.6) (P = 0.109). A positive MRI according to the ASAS definition was present in 5/22 recruits (22.7%) at baseline, which increased to 8/22 (36.4%) at follow-up (P = 0.375). Structural lesions were present in 6/22 subjects (27.3%), both at baseline and after 6 weeks of training. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of healthy active individuals without any symptoms of back pain displayed bone marrow oedema lesions on MRI at baseline. However, MRI lesions did not increase significantly after 6 weeks of intensive physical training. Our study underscores the necessity to interpret MRI findings of the SIJs in the appropriate clinical context, even in a young active population.

[Assessment of sacroiliacal joint mobility in patients with low back pain]. / A keresztcsonti ízület mobilitásának vizsgálata derékpanaszos betegcsoportban.

INTRODUCTION: Sagittal alignment of the pelvis is typically characterized using three fundamental parameters. Among these, pelvic incidence is traditionally considered to be anatomically 'constant'. AIM: We aimed to analyze the pelvic parameters of low back pain patients with suspected sacroiliac joint laxity. METHOD: Pelvic parameters were assessed in standing and seated EOS 2D/3D radiographs of 48 cases of persistent low back pain, and compared to upper body position using cluster analysis and t-test. RESULTS: Median pelvic incidence did not differ statistically between standing and sitting (47.8°-47.7°). However, in individual analysis 7 cases (15%) exhibited a forward tilt in their upper body with an increased pelvic incidence, and 7 cases (15%) showed a backward upper body tilt. No change was found in 34 cases. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the pelvis should not be regarded as a rigid unit, as in some cases significant appreciable sacroiliac joint laxity can occur. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(52): 2079-2085.

Good functional outcome in patients suffering fragility fractures of the pelvis treated with percutaneous screw stabilisation: Assessment of complications and factors influencing failure.

BACKGROUND: Low energy pelvic ring fractures in the elderly have traditionally been treated conservatively, a treatment with potential long-term complications and loss of self-independence. Percutaneous screw stabilisation of the posterior pelvic ring is a new treatment modality that enables immediate mobilisation. The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcome after sacroiliac stabilisation in the elderly. METHODS: All elderly patients with a surgically stabilised low energy pelvic fracture between 2010 and 2015 were included. In 2016 a radiographic follow up and functional test was performed at least one year postoperative. RESULTS: The 50 operated patients had a mean age of 79 years and a one-year mortality of 10% (5/50). Only six patients lost independency after the pelvic fracture and moved to nursing home. The mean Timed Up and Go test was 16s at follow-up. The operation of the posterior pelvic ring averaged 63min with a radiation equal to a diagnostic pelvic CT. One intra-foraminally placed screw was immediately removed and 9 patients were later re-operated on due to symptomatic loosening of one or more screws. No loosening of screws was seen in 11 patients where both S1 and S2 were stabilised and out of 23 trans-sacral screws (crossing both sacroiliac joints) only two loosened. DISCUSSION: CT guided stabilisation of the posterior pelvis is safe and most patients resumed good function and independent living. The risk of a revision operation was 20%, but trans-sacral screw stabilisation in both S1 and S2 could reduce the risk of implant loosening.

Color Doppler and spectral Doppler ultrasound detection of active sacroiliitis in spondyloarthritis compared to physical examination as gold standard.

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) involvement is a distinctive feature of spondyloarthritis (SpA). The main objective of this study was to assess the validity of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) in SIJ. This was a cross-sectional, blinded, case-control study of 108 cases divided into three groups: (a) 53 SpA patients with inflammatory back pain (IBP); (b) 28 SpA patients with no IBP; and (c) 27 healthy mechanical lumbar pain subjects. Physical examinations of the SIJs were assessed as positive or negative in each SIJ and were used as the gold standard. SIJs were examined with CDUS and spectral Doppler, and the SIJs were assessed as positive when both color Doppler and the resistance index (RI) were less than the cut-off point within the SIJs area. A total of 108 cases (53 female; mean age 36 ± 10 years old) were studied. The physical examination of the SIJs was positive in 38 patients (59 SIJs). Ultrasound detected Doppler signal within the SIJs in 37 cases (58 SIJs): 33 of them had symptomatic SpA (52 SIJs), 3 of them had asymptomatic SpA (5 SIJs), and 1 was a healthy control (1 SIJ). The accuracy of CDUS, when compared to physical SIJ examination, at the patient level in the overall group had a sensitivity of 70.3%, a specificity of 85.7%, a positive likelihood ratio of 4.9, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.36. For the spectral Doppler RI, with an optimal cut-off point ≤0.75, the sensitivity was 76.2%, and the specificity was 77.8%. CDUS of SIJs seems to be a feasible and valid method for detecting active inflammation in patients with SpA.

Efficacy, safety and cost per responder of biologics in the treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents are recommended as second-line therapy for patients with axial spondyloarthropathies. This analysis reviewed data on studies investigating the efficacy and tolerability of anti-TNF agents in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) who had failed first-line non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) treatment. Efficacy data from RCTs were used to calculate the number needed to treat (NNT) for individual anti-TNFs and then the cost per responder was determined to provide an indication of the value of each therapy. A systematic literature review and analysis of search results over the period January 2008 to September 2014 identified four randomised placebo-controlled trials that were included in the analysis. Adalimumab, etanercept and certolizumab pegol were all effective and well tolerated in patients with nr-axSpA. A patient was more likely to reach ASAS20 or ASAS40 when treated with etanercept or adalimumab, the NNT was lowest for adalimumab, and the risk of adverse events was higher with certolizumab pegol 200 mg every 2 weeks. The cost per responder (NNT) was lowest for adalimumab, followed closely by certolizumab 400 mg every 4 weeks, intermediate for certolizumab 200 mg every 2 weeks and highest for etanercept. Although all anti-TNF agents were associated with clinical improvement in patients with nr-axSpA, adalimumab presented a better cost per responder than etanercept and certolizumab pegol.

Value of Examination Under Fluoroscopy for the Assessment of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Pain emanating from the sacroiliac (SI) joint can have variable radiation patterns. Single physical examination tests for SI joint pain are inconsistent with multiple tests increasing both sensitivity and specificity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of fluoroscopy in the diagnosis of SI joint pain. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective double blind comparison study. SETTING: Pain clinic and radiology setting in urban Veterans Administration (VA) in New Orleans, Louisiana. METHODS: Twenty-two adult men, patients at a southeastern United States VA interventional pain clinic, presented with unilateral low back pain of more than 2 months' duration. Patients with previous back surgery were excluded from the study. Each patient was given a Gapping test, Patrick (FABERE) test, and Gaenslen test. A second blinded physician placed each patient prone under fluoroscopic guidance, asking each patient to point to the most painful area. Pain was provoked by applying pressure with the heel of the palm in that area to determine the point of maximum tenderness. The area was marked with a radio-opaque object and was placed on the mark with a fluoroscopic imgage. A site within 1 cm of the SI joint was considered as a positive test. This was followed by a diagnostic injection under fluoroscopy with 1 mL 2% lidocaine. A positive result was considered as more than 2 hours of greater than 75% reduction in pain. Then, in 2-3 days this was followed by a therapeutic injection under fluoroscopy with 1 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and 40 mg methylprednisolone. RESULTS: Each patient was reassessed after 6 weeks. The sensitivity and specificity in addition to the positive and negative predictive values were determined for both the conventional examinations, as well as the examination under fluoroscopy. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate test performance. The sensitivity and specificity of the fluoroscopic examination were 0.82 and 0.80 respectively; Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 0.93 and 0.57 respectively. The area under ROC curve was 0.812 which is considered a "good" test; however the area under ROC for the conventional examination were between 0.52-0.58 which is considered "poor to fail". LIMITATIONS: Variation in anatomy of the SI joint, small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple structures of the SI joint complex can result in clinical symptoms of pain. These include intra-articular structures (degenerative arthritis, and inflammatory conditions) as well as extra-articular structures (ligaments, muscles, etc.).

The ASAS Health Index (ASAS HI) - a new tool to assess the health status of patients with spondyloarthritis.

Within the variable course of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, and involvement of other organs can add to the burden of the disease. The primary complaints of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) are pain, stiffness, fatigue, and limitation in activities and social participation. Instruments currently available for the assessment of patients with SpA focus predominantly on specific aspects of health such as pain, disease activity, and physical function and measure specific concepts like physical function and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). However, the overall picture of impairments, limitations and restrictions in activities or social participation of patients with AS is not adequately assessed in SpA-specific questionnaires. Most of the existing questionnaires are not conceptualised with regard to their underlying construct. The International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) Core Set for AS may serve as an appropriate model and underlying construct to develop a health index, since the whole range of functioning and disability of patients with AS is captured. Based on these assumptions, ASAS developed for patients with SpA an instrument assessing health as operationalised by the ICF. The questionnaire was developed by preparing an item pool, linkage of the items to the comprehensive ICF core set for AS and test of the item pool in two cross-sectional studies. The analysis of the questionnaire and the response scale were done with Rasch analysis. Emphasis was on optimal targeting, the capacity of items to differentiate between different levels of health, and optimal coverage of items to the spectrum of ICF categories, so that the final questionnaire could represent as much of the entire range of difficulty levels as possible. The ASAS HI is a linear composite measure and includes 17 items which cover most of the ICF core set. Preliminary validity has been confirmed in a field test in 4 English-speaking countries. The ASAS HI should soon be used in clinical trials and in clinical practice to test its real life performance and to confirm that this new composite index captures relevant information on functioning and health of patients with AS.

Gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI sequence does not have an incremental value in the assessment of sacroiliitis in patients with early inflammatory back pain by using MRI in combination with pelvic radiographs: a 2-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential incremental value in detecting sacroiliitis of the T1 post-gadolinium diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) MRI sequence of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) compared with the combination of short tau inversion recovery (STIR) MRI sequence and pelvic radiographs in patients with inflammatory back pain (IBP) suspected for axial spondyloarthritis. METHODS: A 2-year follow-up study was conducted in patients with IBP of less than 2 years duration. Annual MRI of the SIJ (MRI-SIJ) was performed and scored for bone marrow oedema (BME). Pelvic radiographs were scored according to the modified New York (mNY) criteria. Agreement on the presence of BME detected by the STIR and post-Gd-DTPA sequence and the incremental value of post-Gd-DTPA sequence over STIR plus radiographs was analysed by descriptive methods and kappa statistics. RESULTS: At baseline, 20 (29%) out of 68 patients (38% male; mean (SD) age 34.9 (10.3) years) enrolled had BME both on the STIR and post-Gd-DTPA sequences; 4 patients (6%) on the STIR sequence only; none on the post-Gd-DTPA sequence only (kappa value: 0.87). Fifteen (22%) patients fulfilled the mNY criteria at baseline. Sixty-two (91%) patients had at least 1 follow-up MRI-SIJ. At 2-year follow-up, 2 patients had BME on the post-Gd-DTPA sequence without BME on the STIR sequence. These 2 patients already fulfilled the mNY criteria at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients with early IBP, the post-Gd-DTPA sequence of the MRI-SIJ did not have an incremental value in the detection of sacroiliitis compared with the STIR sequence plus pelvic radiographs.

Assessment of spinal mobility in ankylosing spondylitis using a video-based motion capture system.

This paper describes the use of a video-based motion capture system to assess spinal mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of the study is to assess reliability of the system comparing it with conventional metrology in order to define and analyze new measurements that reflect better spinal mobility. A motion capture system (UCOTrack) was used to measure spinal mobility in forty AS patients and twenty healthy subjects with a marker set defining 33 3D measurements, some already being used in conventional metrology. Radiographic studies were scored using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score index (mSASSS). Test-retest reliability studies were performed on the same day and over a two-week period. Motion capture shows very high reliability with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient values ranging from 0.89 to 0.99, low Standard Error of the Measurement (0.37-1.33 cm and 1.58°-6.54°), correlating very well with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) (p < 0.001) and, in some individual measures (cervical flexion, cervical lateral flexion, back inclination, shoulder-hip angle and spinal rotation), with mSASSS (p < 0.01). mSASSS also added significantly to the variance in multivariate linear regression analysis to certain measures (back inclination, cervical flexion and cervical lateral flexion). Quantitative results obtained with motion capture system using the protocol defined show to be highly reliable in patients with AS. This technique could be a useful tool for assessing the outcome of the disease and for monitoring the evolution of spinal mobility in AS patients.

Paradigm for assessment and treatment of SIJ mechanical dysfunction.

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is an integral part of both the lumbar spine and the pelvic girdle. It is frequently the source of low back pain and pelvic girdle pain. Recent research has permitted a deeper understanding of its function and assessment. The mechanical assessment of the SIJ as a transmitter of load between trunk and lower limbs, and as a means to absorb torsion stresses of the pelvis absorber of torsion is examined; history, clinical examination and imaging modalities are explored and the role of exercise and some interventional therapies are described in general terms.

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy approach to assessment and treatment of derangement of the sacro-iliac joint.

This case report describes the clinical reasoning and management of the sacroiliac joint, utilising the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). A patient with a 2 year history of buttock and thigh pain demonstrates a directional preference for repeated anterior SIJ rotation. The MDT approach is discussed and is an ideal method for emphasising the patients involvement in managing their own back problem.

Assessment of thoracolumbar rotation in ankylosing spondylitis: a simple tape method.

Results of a 'new' method for thoracolumbar rotation by tape (TRPav), simple instrumental rotation (TRi), the modified Schober test and thoracolumbar flexion (ThFL) were correlated with radiological changes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). TRPav showed a significant radiological correlation (Ls-r: 0.38; Th-r: 0.31), while the instrument method (TRi) did not; both the Schober test and ThFL, again, correlated fairly highly (Ls-r: 0.71, 0.62; Th-r: 0.49, 0.42). Both inter- and intratester reliability of the tests was good (Bland and Altman plots). Thoracolumbar rotation is one of the three principal levels of spinal motion and seems to be less affected by age. TRPav proved a valid and reliable method for measuring thoracolumbar rotation and clinically is a non-invasive, quick and easy complement to AS measurement methodologies.

Pain provocation tests for the assessment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

A double-blind trial was carried out to determine the sensitivity and specificity of three commonly used pain provocation tests for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The trial involved 40 patients, all of whom reported pain when they were subjected to each of the three tests. Half of the patients (20) had the symptomatic sacroiliac joint injected with 4 ml of 1% lignocaine, whereas the other 20 patients received 4 ml of normal saline to the painful joint. The level of pain produced by each of the three tests was assessed pre- and posttest injection using a visual analogue scale of 0-100. If the pain could be suppressed by 70% with injection of either normal saline or 1% lignocaine into the symptomatic sacroiliac joint under image intensification, the test was considered to be positive for pain arising from the sacroiliac joint. None of the patients receiving normal saline had their pain suppressed to any significant degree, whereas those patients receiving 1% lignocaine had their pain suppressed sufficiently for the three pain provocation tests to have a specificity of 100% for each test and a sensitivity range of 77-87%. This study indicates that the three tests, when used in combination, have a high predictive value for pain arising from the sacroiliac joint.