ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS (MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING)
EXPLORING ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A THOROUGH INSIGHT INTRODUCTION Ankylosing spondylitis, a persistent inflammatory disorder predominantly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, takes its name from the Greek roots "ankylos" (indicating joint stiffness) and "spondylo" (referring to vertebra). This condition unfolds as a gradual progression of chronic inflammation, culminating in the bony ankylosis of spinal joints and, occasionally, major limb joints. DEFINITION Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder impacting the axial skeleton, demonstrating varying degrees of involvement in peripheral joints and non-articular structures. RISK FACTORS AND CAUSES GENDER Prevalent among males. AGE Typically manifests between 15 to 35 years. GENETIC PREDISPOSITION HLA (Human leukocyte antigen) – B27 emerges as a significant genetic factor. UNKNOWN FACTORS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Involvement of HLA-B27 leads to: Inflammation of vertebral joints Formation ...