Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine the most. As the condition starts progressing, it may affect other joints of the body as well. Apart from the spine, other joints that may get affected include hips, shoulders, ribs, heels, and the joints of the hands & feet. In certain cases, iritis or uveitis may also occur. But such conditions are rare.

This is a painful condition in which stiffness also occurs on the affected area of the spine. There is no complete cure for the condition, and hence, the treatment provided aims at relieving the associated symptoms. Though medication is known to be effective in providing relief in many cases, surgery may be required if the condition is severe. During surgery, Orthopedic Implants and Instruments are used.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition in which the inflammation of the spine occurs. It is a chronic condition that affects sacroiliac joints present between the base of the spine and pelvis. In people affected with this condition, small bones in the spine fuse together as the disease progresses. This results in a reduction in the flexibility of the spine and hunched-forward posture may also be on the cards. Ankylosing spondylitis could also affect ribs, and when this occurs, the affected person may find it difficult to breathe deeply.

Who Might Get Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Men develop ankylosing spondylitis more than women. According to the studies, the symptoms of the condition generally appear between 17 and 45 years of age. Ankylosing spondylitis also has a genetic connection as it can run down into families.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints is often the first sign in the case of ankylosing spondylitis. As the condition is painful, intense pain may be experienced around the affected site. This condition can also affect the areas where tendons & ligaments attach to the bone. Besides all this, pain & stiffness may also be seen in the:

• Lower back
• Shoulders
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Thighs
• Heels
• Feet
• Rib cage

The pain and stiffness are evident commonly in the morning and after periods of inactivity. The person suffering from the condition may also experience easy fatigability, swelling in the joints, and forward curving rigid spine.

What are the Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Studies have not been able to confirm what causes ankylosing spondylitis, but it is believed that the occurrence of the condition is associated with genes. Researchers have found that most people suffering from the condition have a gene responsible for making HLA-B27 protein. However, it is not necessary that everyone with this mutated HLA-B gene will develop ankylosing spondylitis. Besides this, the below-mentioned conditions also make a person prone to developing AS:

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Psoriasis

How Ankylosing Spondylitis is Diagnosed?

To test the range of motion of the spine, the doctor will ask the patient to bend into different positions. Besides this, the doctor will also press on certain locations of the pelvis to identify painful areas. After this, the doctor will order certain imaging tests to confirm the condition. The tests may include:

• X-ray of the spine
• MRI
• Blood tests to identify HLA-B27 gene

How Ankylosing Spondylitis is Treated?

As the condition has no cure, the treatment provided aims at relieving symptoms that include pain & inflammation. Plus, the treatment is also given to slow down the progression of the condition and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to reduce inflammation, pain, & stiffness. If these drugs fail to provide relief, TNF blockers or IL inhibitors may be prescribed.

Physical therapy also plays a key role in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis as it relieves pain and helps improve the strength & flexibility of the affected area. When it comes to surgery, it is not often required. Only cases with severe pain or joint damage will be preferred for the surgical intervention to repair or replace the damaged joint.

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