THE CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF SACRO-ILIAC JOINT INVOLVEMENT IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

SUMMARY Seven clinical tests designed to detect active sacro-iliitis were compared in 30 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and 30 healthy controls. Simultaneous blood counts, sacro-iliac radiography and scintiscans were undertaken on those patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Only one test (knee to shoulder stress test) was found to be significantly related to the current presence of symptoms. No relationship could be demonstrated between current symptoms or positive clinical tests and either radiological or scintigraphic methods for detecting active inflammation within the sacro-iliac joints.