Ankylosing Spondylitis Animation

Video animation discussing how ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed and treated. The animation clearly shows how the related inflammation affects the patient.

Video Transcript
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition that affects the joints and ligaments of the spine. The first sign of AS is usually inflammation of the sacroiliac joints.

The bones of the spine are connected by flexible ligaments and separated by cushioning discs, allowing you to bend and twist. Ankylosing Spondylitis can decrease the spine's flexibility, and can eventually lead to total loss of mobility.

This process begins with the inflammation of the bone around the edges of the sacroiliac joints. After enough bone damage has occurred, the body deposits calcium around the damaged area. These calcium deposits spread to ligaments and discs between the vertebrae leading to fusion of the spine.

Although there is no cure for AS, medication, physical therapy, and exercise can improve your condition and relieve pain.

There are several potential complications associated with this procedure that should be discussed with a doctor prior to surgery.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Description and Diagnosis
• Arthritis - Osteoarthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis - Ankylosing Spondylitis - Spinal Stenosis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment and Recovery
• Spondyloarthropathies: Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Deformity in Ankylosing Spondylitis