Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Chips On The Ribs?

Posted on Tue, 16 May 2017

Question: Hi - I've already posted this on here already, but I just had one more question. In the AP photo, could AS cause the top two right ribs to have those chips in the top of them? Or is that a separate thing?
Thanks

I want to know what could have caused the chips out of the bone on the top two ribs on the right hand side.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
WEAK BONES

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is less likely that AS could cause the top two right ribs to have those chips in top of them.It is a separate thing.

Weak and fragile bones with a trivial traumatic strain could have caused the bone chips.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (12 minutes later)

okay thank you for that. I really do not want to go to a specialist as I am so busy with kids etc.. and I just really hoped it was just a bad dream! :) But thanks for answering. As it happens - arthritis runs on both sides of my family and so do joint replacements!! And my Dad's Mum has crumbling bones in her spine and so has my Dad. So, the story of our life!!

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not lose hope

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am really sorry to hear this . But do not lose hope.

Life is temporary and it has an end and this is true for every human being .

So,do not lose hope,try and be healthy and fit as far as possible.

I am always there to help you whenever you need me.

Wish you a healthy life.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (11 hours later)

Oh wow - that is so kind of you to write to me like that! i haven't had a Dr ever talk to me like this... Yes I believe life is temporary too, and we have a better place to go to, but I was hoping to escape the family medical side!
I've had a cancer growth removed years ago and cancer also runs strongly on my Dad's side of the family, so I guess I'm now hoping these bone changes don't indicate anything more than osteoporosis or AS! But like you've said 'do not lose hope' - so I'll just make an appointment to see someone and hope for the best. Can you tell on x rays if bone problems can be related to cancer causing them?

actually I've been worried about that right arm for months now as I've lost a lot of strength in it, and maybe those chips/weak bones explain it. My shoulder/neck area burns and is painful all the time and when I scrub my sink out, I have to change to using my left hand as I literally do not have the strength to scrub it... Weird. But that's why I asked specifically about those chips, as I suddenly realised it could be what is causing the pain that's increasing a lot, and the lack of strength.
I just wish my GP had listened to me months ago when I was telling him I felt something was wrong. My daughter had spinal surgery with rods etc.. 3 months ago now, so I've had to look after her, and I asked for x rays before she went to surgery, hoping to at least get some clue as to what was going on.
Anyway - it's happened now... My bowel is mucking up and sometimes my bladder won't release properly and I'll have to just sit and sit to empty out. Maybe that's all related somehow too.
Thank you for being so kind.
:)

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Does not seem to be cancer

Detailed Answer:
Do not worry,this does not seem to be a cancer.The Xray findings are not suggestive of any cancerous condition.

All the symptoms are surely somewhat related to each other.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (33 minutes later)

that's good! Thank you : )

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
WELCOME.

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome for any other queries anytime.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)

Thank you a lot for that! :-) I will let you know what happens and what the specialist says if you are interested. You've been very kind.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Let me know

Detailed Answer:
Of course i am interested.

Do let me know the developments that happen during the course of the consultations with specialist.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (27 minutes later)

Hello

Yes sure I will. Thank you for all your help :)

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
WELCOME

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy