Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory process that affects the collagen joints of the vertebral column. Chronic inflammation of the spine will cause stiffness and eventually the spine may become fused. Joint changes are difficult to visualize on a radiograph until the inflammatory process has progressed for several years and joint damage is present. Utilizing MR imaging can aid in early detection of ankylosing spondylitis. Also, blood test performed during inflammatory episodes can be used to support the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. The disease process affects caucasian men between the ages of 15-30 years old, three times more than women. The signs and symptoms are fatigue, constant stiffness in the lower back and tendonitis. The treatment for ankylosing spondylitis includes the use of analgesics to reduce pain and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.