bamboo spine
Last reviewed 10/2023
The term 'bamboo spine' is a radiographic description of the spine following bony ankylosis of the intervertebral joints. Ossification of the discs and the bony bridges between vertebrae creates an appearance similar to a bamboo pole.
The bony bridges are called syndesmophytes.
There is usually squaring of the vertebral bodies.
Causes include:
- ankylosing spondylitis
- Reiter's syndrome