This comprehensive compilation provides authoritative information and practical advice from the nation's health experts about ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Starting with the basics, and advancing to detailed patient-oriented and physician-quality information, the 21st Century Medical Sourcebook series gives empowered patients, families, caregivers, nurses, and physicians the information they need to understand this disease. There is extensive coverage of symptoms, diagnosis, medical testing, treatment options, clinical research, government research, medications (with FDA information on treatment drugs) and prognosis. A comprehensive list of clinical trials related to AS is included. Related topics are fully covered: back pain, treatment of arthritis pain and symptoms, sacroiliitis, DMARDs, biologic agents including TNF medications, and more.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of progressive arthritis due to chronic inflammation of the joints in the spine. Its name comes from the Greek words "ankylos," meaning stiffening of a joint, and "spondylo," meaning vertebra. Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spine or one or more of the adjacent structures of the vertebrae. Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to a group of disorders called seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Seronegative means an individual has tested negative for an autoantibody called rheumatoid factor. The spondyloarthropathies are a family of similar diseases that usually cause joint and spine inflammation. Other well-established syndromes in this group include psoriatic arthritis, the arthritis of inflammatory bowel disease, chronic reactive arthritis, and enthesitis-related idiopathic juvenile arthritis. Although these disorders have similarities, they also have features that distinguish them from one another. The hallmark of ankylosing spondylitis is "sacroiliitis," or inflammation of the sacroiliac (SI) joints, where the spine joins the pelvis. In some people, ankylosing spondylitis can affect joints outside of the spine, like the shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, and feet. It can also affect entheses, which are sites where the tendons and ligaments attach to the bones. It is possible that it can affect other organs, such as the eyes, bowel, and—more rarely—the heart and lungs.

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