Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis characterized by sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and a marked propensity for sacroiliac joint and spinal fusion. This arthritis is part of the spondyloarthritis family of diseases, which have similar clinical, genetic, and immunologic features. The goals of treatment of AS are to reduce symptoms, maintain spinal flexibility and normal posture, reduce functional limitations, maintain work ability, and decrease disease complications.