Changes in Sexual Activity in Male Patients Surgically Treated for Kyphosis due to Ankylosing Spondylitis

Study Design.A retrospective study.Objective.The aim of this study was to assess the changes in sexual activities in male patients surgically treated for ankylosing spondylitis (AS)-induced kyphosis and the correlation between these changes and spinal sagittal realignment.Summary of Background Data.Sexual function may be affected by AS. However, little is known about the effect of spinal surgery on the sexual activity of patients with AS-induced kyphosis.Methods.Data of 45 male patients who had been surgically treated for AS-induced kyphosis were retrospectively reviewed. Changes in sexual activity were evaluated by the international index of erectile function (IIEF), frequency of sexual activity, and time point at which sexual activity began postoperatively. We compared the above-mentioned parameters before and 24 months postoperatively and analyzed the correlation of the changes in the IIEF with the changes in radiological characteristics.Results.Each domain of the IIEF and the total IIEF were increased postoperatively. Improved sexual function was correlated with changes in spinal sagittal characteristics, among which lumbar lordosis (LL) and the chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA) were the most significant causes (P<0.05). Most patients (71.1%) resumed their sexual activity 5 to 12 weeks after surgery. At the 24-month follow-up, the frequency of patients' sexual activity was higher than that before surgery (P<0.05).Conclusion.Surgical correction of spinal deformity may improve sexual function and increase the frequency of sexual activity in men with AS. Spinal sagittal realignment and pelvic rotation may be correlated with improvement of sexual function.Level of Evidence: 4