Ankylosing spondylitis or AS, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the Sacroiliac joints and the spine, although other joints may become involved at advanced stages.
Progreesive stiffness and ossification of ligaments produces the characteristic forward stooped posture.AS can also cause inflammation, pain and stiffness in other areas of the body such as the hip joints, ribs, heels etc. Sometimes the eyes may become involved (known as Iritis or Uveitis).
Most patients complain of early morning stiffness that typically lasts for 30 minutes to 2 hours; improvement occurs with activity and stretching. AS is clinically characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Patient may remain symptom free for a long duration before the recurrence of symptoms. AS can be very debilitating, and in some cases, lead to disability.
Patients with positive HLA B-27 factor and a positive family history are at risk.
Treatment of AS depends upon the severity of symptoms. Patients with early and mild symptoms are best managed by supervised physiotherapy and stretching programmes.
Medications that reduce pain include NSAIDs ( Indomethacin, Naproxen ). TNF-blocking medications (Etanercept , Infliximab , Adalimumab ), have been shown to be extremely effective for treating ankylosing spondylitis by stopping disease activity, decreasing inflammation, and improving spinal mobility.
Surgical treatment for AS is required in patients with severe Kyphosis (excessive dorsal curvature of spine), limitation of neck movement, or with ankylosed hips.
Pedicle subtraction osteotomy may be performed at the spine to improve posture.
http://www.medicinenet.com/ankylosing_spondylitis/article.htm
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