Not at all! Imaging can reveal a whole range of changes, and fusion (ankylosis) is just one possibility — and often a later-stage finding. There are several things imaging might show before fusion ever occurs:
- Joint erosion — damage to the joint surface from inflammation
- Bone marrow edema (BME) — swelling within the Show Full Answer
Not at all! Imaging can reveal a whole range of changes, and fusion (ankylosis) is just one possibility — and often a later-stage finding. There are several things imaging might show before fusion ever occurs:
- Joint erosion — damage to the joint surface from inflammation
- Bone marrow edema (BME) — swelling within the bone, often an early sign
- Sacroiliitis — inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, typically one of the first signs
- Enthesitis — inflammation where tendons or ligaments attach to bone
- Bone spurs — small growths that can form around joints
Fusion tends to develop gradually over time, and not everyone with spondylitis will experience it. It's also worth knowing that different imaging types catch different things. MRI is better at spotting early inflammation before any structural damage appears on X-rays. In fact, it can take anywhere from 6 to 10 years for inflammation to cause enough damage to even show up on an X-ray.
This is why a rheumatologist may use a combination of imaging tools to get the full picture of what's happening. Early detection through MRI can actually open a window for treatment that may help slow progression.
September 21
My MRI showed all of this plus Subchondrial cysts
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