Etymed
ankylosing spondylitis
Definition
A chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, characterized by stiffness and fusion of vertebrae
Clinical context
A 28-year-old man presents with progressive back pain and stiffness that worsens with rest and improves with activity. He has had symptoms for 2 years and reports significant morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes. On examination, there is decreased lumbar spine mobility and tenderness over the sacroiliac joints. HLA-B27 is positive.
Mnemonic
Spondylitis = Spine + spondylo (joint) + itis (inflammation); Remember 'SACRO-iliac joints' and 'Spine fusion' - think 'SACR-SPINE' = Spondylitis