Identifying a Romanus lesion signals the initiation of the pathological process leading toward what advanced AS spinal feature?
Answer
Bamboo spine
The Romanus lesion is recognized as an early warning sign within the progression of spinal Ankylosing Spondylitis. It marks the commencement of the destructive and remodeling cycle that, if left unchecked by controlling systemic inflammation, continues over many years. As this chronic inflammation persists, the lesions mature into Andersson lesions, and the intense reactive bone formation eventually leads to the bridging of disc spaces via syndesmophytes. This continuous bridging process, occurring across multiple segments, is what ultimately defines the rigid, fused state of the spine known as the 'bamboo spine'.
Related Questions
What specific inflammatory process drives the bony changes resulting in a Romanus lesion?What initial destructive effect on the bone characterizes the nascent stage of a Romanus lesion?What established lesion results from the maturation and extensive repair of an initial Romanus lesion?In which spinal regions are Romanus lesions most frequently identified radiologically?What early finding detectable by MRI reflects the ongoing inflammation in an active Romanus lesion?A key feature distinguishing a Romanus lesion is its dual nature showing both damage and what reparative sign?How does the primary destruction pattern in typical vertebral osteomyelitis contrast with that of a Romanus lesion?The enthesitis causing Romanus lesions specifically targets the insertion point of which structure onto the vertebral body?Identifying a Romanus lesion signals the initiation of the pathological process leading toward what advanced AS spinal feature?On radiographic images, what feature is often what ultimately makes an established Romanus lesion definitively identifiable?