Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spinal bones called vertebrae. Over time, this inflammation can cause the vertebrae to fuse together. It most commonly affects men in their late teens or early adulthood. Genetics play a role, as people with the HLA-B27 gene are at higher risk. Symptoms include chronic lower back pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning. While there is no cure, treatments can help reduce symptoms and slow progression, including anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying drugs.

1. ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

2. DEFINITION
"Ankylosis" means fused bones or
other hard tissue. "Spondylitis"
means inflammation in your spinal
bones, or vertebrae.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an
inflammatory disease that, over
time causes the small bones of
spine (vertebrae) to fuse.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a
type of arthritis in which there is a
long-term inflammation of the

3. INCIDENCE
Ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often
than women. Signs and symptoms typically
begin in early adulthood. Inflammation also can
occur in other parts of your body — most
commonly eyes.

4. ETIOLOGY
Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific
cause, though genetic factors seem to be
involved.
In particular, people who have a gene called
HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of
developing ankylosing spondylitis.

5. RISK FACTOR
Sex. Men are more likely to develop
ankylosing spondylitis than are women.
Age. Onset generally occurs in late
adolescence or early adulthood.
Heredity. Most people who have ankylosing
spondylitis have the HLA-B27 gene.

6. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
Initial symptoms are usually a chronic dull pain in
the lower back or gluteal region combined with
stiffness of the lower back. Individuals often
experience pain and stiffness that awakens them
in the early morning hours.
As the disease progresses, loss of spinal mobility
and chest expansion, with a limitation of anterior
flexion, lateral flexion, and extension of the
lumbar spine, are seen.
Systemic features are common, with weight loss,

7. STAGES

8. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS
•Physical Examination
•Imaging tests- X-Ray, MRI
•Lab tests- No Specific Lab Test, ESR can
be checked for inflammation and
•Genetic testing of HLA-B27 gene

9. MANAGEMENT
•There is no cure for AS, although treatments and
medications can reduce symptoms and pain.
•The major types of medications used to treat ankylosing
spondylitis are pain-relievers and drugs aimed at stopping
or slowing the progression of the disease.
•Anti-inflammatory drugs, which include nsaids such as
ibuprofen, phenylbutazone, diclofenac, indomethacin,
naproxen
•Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (dmards) such as
sulfasalazine can be used in people with peripheral arthritis.
•Anti-interleukin-6 inhibitors such as tocilizumab, currently
approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
•Interleukin-17a inhibitor secukinumab is an option for the
treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis.

10. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
In severe cases of AS, surgery can be an option
in the form of joint replacements, particularly in
the knees and hips.

11. NURSING MANAGEMENT
Make time to exercise every day, even a few
minutes at a time.
Keeping a healthy weight A diet high in omega-3
fatty acids might help.
Don’t smoke. People who smoke tobacco often
have symptoms that get worse as they get older.
Manage stress with things like massage, yoga,
meditation, and counseling.
Apply heat to stiff joints and tight muscles and use
cold on inflamed areas.