Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown origin. In AS, spontaneous fusion of the sacroiliac joints and spine occurs due to chronic inflammation leading to initial back pain followed by generalised stiffness of the spine. In this book, the authors discuss the symptoms, treatment and potential complications of AS. Topics include osteoporosis and verterbral fractures in ankylosing spondylitis; efficacy of anti-IL-6 therapy for seronegative spondyloarthropathy; anterior uveitis in spondyloarthropathy; and management of spinal fractures in AS.