Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of radiological scoring methods with clinical and laboratory measurements of the patients. Two different scoring methods -Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) and Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (SASSS), which are both widely used in clinical trials- were assessed.

Methods Nineteen patients (3 female, 16 male, age 22 to 41, disease duration 1 to 18 years) with AS who satisfied the modified New York criteria were included into the study. BASRI and SASSS were used to evaluate radiologic changes. Disease activity was assessed using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI).

Results There was no correlation between duration of morning stiffness, night pain, laboratory variables (ESR, CRP, haemoglobin, platelets) and any of the radiological sores. No significant correlation was found between BASDAI and both of the radiological scores. BASRI and SASSS correlated significantly with occiput–to–wall distance, Schober test, and finger–to–fibula distance. There was not a significant correlation of radiologic scores with finger-to-floor distance and chest expansion. The scores of right and left SI joints correlated significantly with BASRI and SASSS.

Conclusion Our results indicate that these two radiological scoring methods are measures of disease severity or deformity rather than disease activity. Radiological scoring methods are fundamental for the diagnosis and progression in AS and BASRI may be a more practical and appropriate method.