Ankylosing spondylitis

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Definition

Ankylosing spondylitis is one of many forms of inflammatory arthritis, the most common of which is rheumatoid arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis primarily causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae of your spine and the joints between your spine and pelvis (sacroiliac joints). However, ankylosing spondylitis may also cause inflammation and pain in other parts of your body:

Where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones
Joints between your ribs and spine
Joints in your hips, shoulders, knees and feet
Your eyes

As ankylosing spondylitis worsens and the inflammation persists, new bone forms as a part of the body's attempt to heal. Your vertebrae begin to grow together, forming vertical bony outgrowths (syndesmophytes) and becoming stiff and inflexible. Fusion can also stiffen your rib cage, restricting lung capacity and function.

Also called spondylitis or rheumatoid spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition. Treatments can decrease your pain and lessen your symptoms. Effective treatment may also help prevent complications and physical deformities.

Symptoms