Inflammatory spondylarthrophy

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Spondylitis = inflammation of the joints of the spine and comes from the

Greek word for vertebrae (spondylos).

arthropathy - joint disease (any type).

SPONDYLOARTHROPATHY

A group of rheumatic diseases that share similar clinical features of axial

arthritis, peripheral inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular symptoms

such as conjunctivitis, skin rashes (eg., psoriasis), inflammation of

mucosal surfaces and inflammation in the tendinous attachments to bone

(enthesitis). This family of disorders includes, ankylosing spondylitis,

Reiter¹s syndrome, psoriatic arthritis and enteropathic arthritis (arthritis

of inflammatory bowel disease).

Defining Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare, chronic rheumatic disorder. " Ankylosis "

implies a fusion of joints. " Spondylitis " means inflammation of the spine.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammation and stiffening of the spine

and sacroiliac joints, which are located in the lower back, where the

tailbone meets the pelvis. This disease belongs to a family of diseases

( " arthropathies " ) that attack the spine.

The disease is progressive. Over time, the process of ankylosis can lead to

complete fusion of the spine's vertebrae and severely restricted movement of

the upper torso. This is " systemic " disorder, which means that additional

parts of the body can be affected, such as the hips, shoulders and knees

Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)

http://www.spondylitis.org/

Diseases of Spondyloarthropathy:

http://spondylibrary.com/diseases_of_spondyloarthropathy.htm