CENTRAL NEURAXIAL BLOCKADE IN A PATIENT WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Abstract

Management of a patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis can be difficult especially with long standing features involving the lungs and spine. Anaesthesia for such patients can be challenging especially due to difficult airway and difficult central neuraxial blockade, in addition to other systemic complications. Ultrasound guided central neuraxial blockade can give a predictable success. We present a middle-aged man with severe ankylosing spondylitis in which ultrasound guidance helped us achieve a successful Caudal anaesthesia for tibial surgery.