What are syndesmophytes, and what is their link with AS? 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Their formation is a clinical feature of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a rare type of arthritis. Syndesmophytes, which form in the ligaments of the spine, create irreversible spinal damage and can lead to vertebrae fusing. These bony growths can sometimes form due to other causes. However, as they are a clinical feature of AS, doctors can use their presence to help diagnose the condition. This article explores syndesmophytes and their connection to AS. It also examines the possible causes, the signs that they may be developing, and how doctors diagnose them. How are they connected to AS Share on PinterestThomas Schauer/ShutterstockAS is a type of inflammatory arthritis. Syndesmophytes are one of the main clinical features of AS, and their formation can cause pain, rigidity in the spine, and a loss of mobility. AS can also affect other areas of a person’s body, potentially causing: vision changes and eye painshortness of breath, if AS affects the joints connecting the ribsskin rashesabdominal pain and loose bowel movementsloss of appetite and unexplained weight lossfatigue Cause Although researchers know that syndesmophytes are a hallmark of AS, they are unsure why these growths develop. According to the authors of a 2020 study, systemic bone loss, known as osteoporosis, and the formation of new bone both contribute to AS. Previously, researchers hypothesized that inflammation leads to bone loss, which then triggers an attempt to form new bone, or syndesmophytes, to repair the bone and provide stability to the spine. However, the 2020 study found that there did not appear to be a relationship between bone mineral density and the formation of syndesmophytes. Other research from the same year notes that among people with advanced AS, the risk factors for the progression of syndesmophytes include old age and having had the disease for a long time. Signs A person with AS often experiences symptoms associated with the back, including stiffness and a limited range of motion. Some research indicates that over the course of 2 years, about 29–37% of people will develop new syndesmophytes. This means that about two-thirds of people may experience minimal to no development in their existing bony growths and no new growths in this time frame. However, as bony growths form and start to fuse the spine, a person may notice that their flexibility and mobility become more limited. In the long term, AS can also increase the risk of a spinal fracture, which can cause sudden pain and lead to nerve damage. Anyone who experiences the following after a fall should contact a doctor straight away:new or worsened spinal painnumbness or tingling in the armsnumbness or tingling in the legs Diagnosis A doctor may use imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to detect syndesmophytes, although an X-ray will not likely show any growths in the early stages of the disease. The doctor may also use blood tests and other diagnostic tools to diagnose AS. Once a person receives a diagnosis of AS, a healthcare professional will continue to monitor them and check for any development of bony growths. Although syndesmophytes are a hallmark clinical feature of AS, their slow growth rate means that it can take years before any spinal changes appear on an X-ray. However, a doctor may sometimes be able to see early signs of syndesmophytes using imaging tests. Treatment There does not appear to be any treatment that can slow the growth of syndesmophytes. However, treatment can help improve a person’s AS symptoms and prevent the process of the spine fusing. A doctor will likely recommend conservative treatment options that may include exercise and physical therapy. They might suggest:a group exercise programan individual exercise programmassage to relieve pain and improve movementhydrotherapy, which involves exercising in water It is important to note that the masseuse should avoid manipulating the bones, as this can lead to injury. Medications that may help include:nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain and inflammation medicationsacetaminophencodeinebiological treatments, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) medications and monoclonal antibody treatmentcorticosteroids in the form of an injection or tabletdisease-modifying antirheumatic drugs Learn more about biologics for AS. In rare cases, surgery may be an option. A doctor may recommend surgical repair of the spine to help a person look forward and stand straight when walking. People may also benefit from using assistive devices and braces during waking hours and supportive pillows during sleep or rest. Syndesmophytes vs osteophytes According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), osteophytes are another type of bony growth that typically occurs due to osteoarthritis. They appear next to the joints that osteoarthritis affects. Osteoarthritis damages the joints, which can trigger the development of new bone in the form of osteophytes. Although these growths typically occur due to osteoarthritis, they can sometimes form in the spine as a result of AS, leading to stiffness and pain. They can also grow in the:kneeshoulderfingersbig toeneckheelfoot Summary Syndesmophytes are bony growths that can occur in AS. They develop slowly but are responsible for the spine fusing in more severe cases of AS. There does not appear to be any treatment option to slow the development of syndesmophytes. However, treatment can help improve AS symptoms and prevent the spine from fusing. Treatment often involves pain management, exercise, physical therapy, and the use of assistive devices. If the growths cause fusion in the spine, a doctor may recommend surgery to help improve spinal function and mobility. Last medically reviewed on May 20, 2022RheumatologyBones / OrthopedicsankylosingspondylitisMedically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD — By Jenna Fletcher on May 20, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageAll about ankylosing spondylitisMedically reviewed by Brenda B. 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