Ankylosing Spondylitis, Radiologic Perspective

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Medical Author:

Wilfred CG Peh, MD, MBBS, FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Glasg), FRCR, MHSM

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Ankylosing Spondylitis Overview
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Causes
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Signs and Symptoms
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis
• Radiologic Diagnosis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors

Ankylosing Spondylitis Overview

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 estimated to affect approximately 0.1-0.2% of the general population. The frequency in the United States is similar to that of the rest of the world. Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects young males. Males are four to 10 times 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.