Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes arthritis of the spine and hips. It can also affect other joints such as the knees, and it can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, or heart valves.
The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. However, most people with ankylosing spondylitis share a common gene marker called HLA-B27. This finding indicates that genes play an important role in the development of this condition.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to very severe.
Common symptoms may include:
Less common symptoms may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, such as:
Tests may include:
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment is aimed at providing education and relieving the symptoms.
Treatments may include:
Treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and inflammation. Other medicines used to treat this condition are called TNF-inhibitors (eg, adalimumab [Humira], infliximab [Remicaide]).
Techniques to prevent progression and worsening of symptoms may include:
In severe cases, hip or joint replacement surgery may be needed to relieve pain and restore mobility. In some instances, spinal surgery is needed to allow the person an upright posture.
RESOURCES:
Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org/
Spondylitis Association of America
http://www.spondylitis.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca/
Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association
http://www.spondylitis.ca/en/
References:
American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/ . Accessed July 8, 2009.
Ankylosing spondylitis. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ankylosing-spondylitis/DS00483 . Updated February 2009. Accessed July 8, 2009.
Ankylosing spondylitis. University of Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Department website. Available at: http://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/tabID__3376/ItemID__14/mid__10313/Articles/Default.aspx . Updated February 11, 2005. Accessed July 8, 2009.
Berkow R. The Merck Manual of Medical Information . New York, NY: Pocket; 2000.
10/2/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : FDA approves new drug to treat psoriasis. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm183851.htm . Published September 25, 2009. Accessed October 2, 2009.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.