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Ankylosing Spondylitis

 TERMINOLOGY (SYNONYMS)

  • Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy
  • Reactive arthropathy
  • Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy


INTRODUCTION

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of spinal arthritis. It is a rheumatic disease that is associated with inflammation of the tendons and ligaments around the bones and joints of the spine. AS primarily affects the sacroiliac joints and the spine, but can also cause inflammation in the hips, shoulders and knees. In advanced cases of AS the inflammatory process promotes the development of new bone causing bone to bridge between adjacent vertebrae. In severe cases this can result in biological spinal fusion. Widespread spinal involvement can result in fixation of the spine in an immobile stooped-forward posture. The excessive forward posture is referred to as hyperkyphosis.

DEMOGRAPHICS (STATISTICS)

AS usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. The condition is more common in men although the incidence in women is increasing. The pattern of disease progression is no different between men and women. Unlike other forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease AS tends to develop in younger individuals, usually between the ages of 17 and 35. 



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To learn more about your spine. spinehealth, and available spinecare go to the International Spine Assocition (ISA) at www.spineinformation.org. The primary mission of the ISA is to improve spinehealth and spinecare through education. The ISA is committed to disseminating need-to-know information throught the World Wide Web in numerous languages covering many topics related to the spine, including information about spine disorders, spine heath, advances in technology and available spinecare



DISCLAIMER
All health information posted on the site is based on the latest research and national treatment standards, and have been written or reviewed and appoved by the American Acedemy of Spine Physicians and/or International Spine Association physicians or health professionals unless otherwise specified.



The information provided on this site is designed to support. not replace,
the relationship that exists between patient/site visitor and his/her physician.