Anaesthetic Management of a Case of Ankylosing Spondylitis for Total Hip Replacement Surgery - A Case Report

Management of a case of ankylosing spondylitis can be very challenging when the airway and the central neuraxial blockade, both are difficult. A 23-year-old male patient with history of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) for 6 years presented for hip replacement surgery. Airway management in ankylosing spondylitis patients presents the most serious array of intubation and airway hazards imaginable, which is secondary to decrease in cervical spine mobility and possible temporo-mandibular joint disease. The reasons cited include inability to gain neuraxial access and then need for urgent airway control in case of complication of regional anaesthesia.