Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a generalised chronic inflammatory disease, mainly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is characterised by pain or stiffness of the back, often with involvement of the hips and shoulders. AS can decrease the spine's flexibility, and can eventually lead to total loss of mobility.

Transcript

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition that affects the joints and ligaments of the spine. The first sign of AS is usually inflammation of the sacroiliac joints.

The bones of the spine are connected by flexible ligaments and separated by cushioning discs, allowing you to bend and twist. Ankylosing Spondylitis can decrease the spine's flexibility, and can eventually lead to total loss of mobility.

This process begins with the inflammation of the bone around the edges of the sacroiliac joints. After enough bone damage has occurred, the body deposits calcium around the damaged area. These calcium deposits spread to ligaments and discs between the vertebrae leading to fusion of the spine.

Although there is no cure for AS, medication, physical therapy, and exercise can improve your condition and relieve pain.

There are several potential complications associated with this procedure that should be discussed with a doctor prior to surgery.

Created: 8/12/2010