I even saw a rheumatologist 13 years ago but he did not do a HBL-27 test. Having more and more joint problems now with both shoulders, wrists and weakness and pain in fingers. After 3 knee replacements, I still have pain and swelling in my knees. I have not read much about AS and knee replacements or thumb replacements. Is that an unusual occurrence? Plus, I am very disappointed in the majority of doctors I have seen through the years who didn’t seem to have a clue about AS.