What Causes Ankylosis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a less common type of arthritis that typically affects the spine and joints in the lower back. The disease inflames the joints, causing stiffness, pain, and impaired mobility. There are two main components of ankylosing spondylitis. The first is the erosion of bone, while the second is increased formation of bone throughout the spine. This causes the bones to fuse either partially or fully in a classic case of ankylosis. When the disease is in its advanced stages, the spine can become deformed. Ankylosing spondylitis most often affects young men, although it's been shown to affect individuals of all ages. When it presents in women, the symptoms tend to be less severe, so diagnosis is more difficult. There's a specific pattern of painful symptoms associated with the condition, and diagnosis usually occurs when the spinal changes are observed on an MRI or X-ray.

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