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Real members of MySpondylitisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
July 31, 2025
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A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I was diagnosed a little more than 18 months ago but my scans are from a little more than 2 years ago now. I haven’t had anything repeated and I would be interested in seeing if there are changes now. My rheumatologist doesn’t need the scans to work through my treatment plan. She is a very good diagnostician so she works based on symptoms plus a combination of other medical factors to determine what the best treatment plan for me is. I see a regenerative medicine specialist as well - he’s the one who ordered the whole body scan which first indicated the issue in my SI joints and then the pelvic MRI that narrowed it all down. I also work with him to get steroid injections in my SI joints as well as my L4/L5 and L5/S1 facet joints on a semi-regular basis.

August 3, 2025
MySpondylitisTeam

Yes, imaging tests are important for monitoring disease progression and guiding treatment in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Both X-rays and MRI scans play key roles in tracking the condition over time.

Radiography (X-rays) is the conventional method used to monitor AS progression, particularly for
• Tracking bone erosion
Show Full Answer

Yes, imaging tests are important for monitoring disease progression and guiding treatment in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Both X-rays and MRI scans play key roles in tracking the condition over time.

Radiography (X-rays) is the conventional method used to monitor AS progression, particularly for:
• Tracking bone erosion
• Monitoring fusion of sacroiliac joints
• Detecting spine curvature changes
• Evaluating overall structural damage However, X-rays alone have limitations since they:
• Can't detect early inflammation
• Don't show soft tissue damage well
• May take several years to show disease progression

For this reason, MRI scans are often used alongside X-rays as they:
• Better show early disease activity
• Can detect inflammation in soft tissues
• Help monitor treatment effectiveness
• Provide more detailed images

Using both imaging methods together provides the most comprehensive way to track disease progression and adjust treatment plans as needed.

July 31, 2025

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