Ankylosing Spondylitis
This is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting young males. However, females are not totally spared. The disease predominantly affects spine, hips, and shoulders although any joint can be involved. The disease causes pain and stiffness and if left untreated causes fusion of the spine and other joints. AS has a familial tendency and is associated with the presence of a gene known as HLA B27 in majority. Management includes anti-inflammatory medications, disease modifying anti rheumatic agents and biological therapy.
