Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that is due to inflammation of multiple joints, characteristically the spinal facet joints and the sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine. While it tends to affect these joints and the soft tissues around the spine, other joints may also be affected as well as tissues around the joints (entheses, where tendons and ligaments attach to bone). This disorder frequently results in bony ankylosis (or fusion). The term ankylosing is derived from the Greek word ankylos, which means stiffening of a joint. Spondylos means vertebra (or spine). Spondylitis refers to inflammation of one or more vertebrae. Ankylosing spondylitis is usually a chronic and progressive form of arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis may also involve areas of the body other than the joints, such the eyes, heart, and lungs. Ankylosing spondylitis is very rare. The frequency in the United States is similar to that of the rest of the world. Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects young males. Males are more likely to have ankylosing spondylitis than females. Most people with the disease develop it at age 15-35 years, with an average age of 26 years at onset.

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Although the exact cause is unknown, ankylosing spondylitis is believed to be due to combination of a genetic influence and a triggering environmental factor. Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis have the tissue antigen human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27). People with ankylosing spondylitis often have a family history of the disease.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape Ankylosing Spondylitis »Ankylosing spondylitis is a distinct disease entity characterized by inflammation of multiple articular and para-articular structures, frequently resulting in bony ankylosis. Read More on Medscape Reference »
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