Ankylosing spondylitis: a brief review

Dr Muhammad Haroon and Dr Donncha O'Gradaigh define the concept of spondyloarthopathy and outline the treatment and management options for patients with ankylosing spondylitis. In daily practice, the concept of spondyloarthopathy helps enormously in making earlier diagnosis. Early diagnosis of arthritis sets the stage for a proper treatment plan and provides us with a window of opportunity to act before joint deformities and spinal fusions occur. Moreover, early diagnosis maximises the effectiveness of treatment options resulting in better outcomes. {openx:269} Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology that principally involves axial joints and adjacent structures leading…