My uncle has a condition called ankylosing spondylitis. He’s starting to be so bent over he can’t see where he is going. Can’t anything be done for this problem?

Surgery may be a possible option. An operation called a cervical osteotomy is done to change the angle of the spine. In ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the bones start to fuse locking the person in a bent position.

In an osteotomy procedure, a wedge of bone is removed from the back of the spine. With the bone removed, the spinal cord and spinal nerves have more space around them. The patient can be straightened up without pinching or compressing the nerve tissue.

There are certain risks with this operation. Not all patients are good candidates. Good, overall general health is required and a sincere desire to complete the rehab program. The first step in the process is to see a medical doctor. It may be helpful to your uncle if a family member goes with him to offer support and discuss the pros and cons of treatment.