Research progress on Andersson lesion in ankylosing spondylitis

Andersson lesion is a destructive vertebral or disco-vertebral lesion that occurs in the late stage of the ankylosing spondylitis. According to the etiology, these lesions are usually classified into localized lesions and extensive lesions. The history of ankylosing spondylitis and characteristic imaging is the key to the diagnosis of Andersson lesion. Conservative treatment may be effective for localized lesions. However, surgical intervention is often required for the failure of conservative treatment and extensive lesions. Currently, the optimal procedure for this problem is spinal osteotomy through pseudarthrosis and debridement via posterior-only approach.