Definition

Noun: A chronic, inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints (where the spine connects to the pelvis). It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and over time can lead to the fusion (ankylosis) of the vertebrae, resulting in reduced flexibility of the spine.

Usage

This is a medical term used to name a specific disease. * Ankylosing spondylitis often begins in early adulthood. * The main symptom of ankylosing spondylitis is chronic lower back pain and stiffness. * He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis after years of unexplained back pain.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is sometimes abbreviated as AS in medical contexts.
  • Management of AS focuses on reducing inflammation and maintaining posture.
• It is considered a type of spondyloarthritis, a family of related inflammatory diseases.

Variants and Related Words

• Spondylitis (n.): Inflammation of the vertebrae; a broader category of spinal disorders.
• Ankylosis (n.): The abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones.
• Sacroiliitis (n.): Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, a hallmark feature of ankylosing spondylitis.

Synonyms

• Bechterew's disease
• Marie-Strümpell disease

(Note: These are historical or eponymous names for the same condition.)

Noun

1. a chronic form of spondylitis primarily in males and marked by impaired mobility of the spine; sometimes leads to ankylosis