The Burden of Spine Structural Damage on Function in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Adaptation-Mediated Uncoupling?

Objective: To investigate the association between spinal damage and functional capacity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to compare the performance of 2 radiographic scores (modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score [mSASSS] and Combined Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score [CASSS]).

Methods: Radiographs from 101 patients with axSpA were scored for cervical facet joints (CFJ) and mSASSS for vertebral bodies. CASSS was calculated as the sum of both scores.