For Anesthesiologists

The Spondylitis Association of America is proud to announce the launch of educational resources for anesthesiologists looking to learn more about spondyloarthritis. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive and practical learning experience for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills in airway management for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

1.1 Target Audience

This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care professionals involved in the care of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in hospital, emergency, and/or surgical settings, including those specializing in anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and emergency medicine.

1.2 Program Overview

This online activity provides case studies, evidence, and best practices related to airway management considerations in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

1.3 Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

Describe anatomic and physiologic changes associated with AS and their implications for airway management
Utilize best practices for airway assessment and care of patients with AS in pre-hospital and hospital settings to minimize the risk of injury
Discuss advantages and disadvantages of different intubation techniques, including awake fiberoptic intubation and video laryngoscopy, in patients with AS
Apply an individualized approach to airway management in patients with AS by considering multisystem involvement and coexisting conditions, including COVID-19 infection

Download the presentation slide deck here:

Additional Resources:

Clinical Considerations for Airway Management in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

by Anoop Chhina, MD, William Peruzzi, MD, and John Reveille, MD

The article discusses the challenges of airway management in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). The anatomic and physiologic changes resulting from AS, such as the ossification of spinal ligaments and limited mouth opening, can make intubation challenging, and healthcare providers need to consider individualized approaches for airway management in these patients.

Summer 2013 SpondyPlus Issue featuring, "Intubation, Anesthesia, Spondylitis"

The feature article discusses the importance of securing the airway in anesthesia and the challenges posed by difficult airways, which occur in 1.5-8.5% of patients undergoing anesthesia.

Are You Prepared for an Emergency Situation?

In an emergency, time and accuracy are of the essence – and those with spondyloarthritis have an especially pressing need for emergency preparedness. Fusion in the spine, combined with an increased risk of osteoporosis, puts many with spondyloarthritis at 11 times greater risk of spinal fracture. If you contract COVID-19 and require intubation, there are risks and guidelines both you and your medical provider should know.

Other Online Accredited Courses: For First Responders

Now Offering Continuing Education Hours for Emergency First Responders (CAPCE) and Nurses (CA BRN)! EMS Pitfalls: Ankylosing Spondylitis Standard EMS treatment protocols can cause injury, disability, and even death in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This course will provide tools to recognize AS, and safely and properly manage it in emergency situations.