Quote:

Ithink your talking about spondylitis or spondolosis thats inflamation of the joints. AS Ankylosing is joints that become fused becuase of inflamation If you just have inflammation you dont have AS.
Kevin



My understanding is slightly different. Yes ankylosing is the fusion of the spine but Ankylosing Spondylitis as a disease does not always involve complete spinal fusion or it is so slow we die of old age before it is noticeable for many, Many carry the AS diagnosis without spinal fusion. You may not have the ankylosing portion of AS but you do have AS.

From the SSA
Disease Course/Prognosis
The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. AS can be very debilitating, and in some cases, lead to disability.

Source:
http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as.aspx

Last edited by drizzit; 07/07/09 07:50 PM.
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