An Unusual Cause of Myelopathy: Ochronotic Spondyloarthropathy With Positive HLA B27

In this report, a paraparetic patient who has ochronotic spondiloarthropathy with the presence of HLA B27 antigen is described. He had low back and leg pain and morning stiffness for 5 yrs. Last year, these were followed by tingling, numbness, and weakness the in lower extremities and he was operated on with preliminary diagnosis of prolapsed disc herniation and cord compression. Surgery is suggested for disc herniations related to ochronotic spondyloarthropathy if it is necessary or neurologic symptoms are present. However, his pain and weakness have partially recovered after the operation. After medical and physical treatment, he showed clinically significant improvements. This case report demonstrates that the management of ochronosis needs a multidisciplinary approach with physiologic, neurologic, and psychologic effects and proper treatment may significantly improve functional outcomes in these patients.
Source: American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research