How is it diagnosed? Ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed starting with a thorough history, asking about symptoms and risk factors discussed in previous sections. A detailed exam is necessary to find any kind of inflammatory back signs, peripheral arthritis, or extra-articular manifestations. Certain maneuvers and measurements should be performed in the office. Below are just a […]
What are the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis? AS is characterized mainly by inflammatory back pain (described below). Inflammation can occur in several areas, leading to pain and stiffness. These include: Sacroiliac and spinal joints Hip and shoulder joints “Peripheral” arthritis: smaller joint such as the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and feet Joints involving the ribs, […]
What is Spondyloarthritis? Spondyloarthropathies (or Spondyloarthritis) are a family of inflammatory disease that cause arthritis, and are different than other inflammatory arthritides because the can affect the spine and soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments (known as enthesitis). The 4 main spondyloarthropathies are ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis associated with […]