AS is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder of the axial skeleton--affecting the sacroiliac and the spine It is 3 times more common in men than in women
A disease process of unknown aetiology, characterised by the presence of bilateral sacroiliitis with inflammatory changes in the spinal joints The onset is most common in males in their late teens to early twenties As the name suggests, it is a process which results in a gradual stiffening of the axial skeleton, sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis
An inflammatory arthritic disorder that affects males more often than females The spine is affected more than peripheral joints Affected individuals are usually HLA B27 positive It causes stiffness of the spine
A rheumatic disease that causes arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joints and, at times, inflammation of the eyes and heart valves For more information, see the American College of Rheumatology Fact Sheet
A type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints Tendons and ligaments may become inflamed where they attach to the bone Advanced forms may result in formation of bony bridges, causing the spine to become rigid