Ankylosing Spondylitis and the Spondyloarthropathies: A Companion to Rheumatology 3E (Companion to Rheumatology)

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints as well as other parts of the body, and that can eventually lead, in some patients, to complete fusion of the vertebrae and total rigidity. AS is not a rare health problem, but is in fact found in almost one percent of the US population, typically strikes young people and young families, and in its various forms is probably more common than rheumatoid arthritis. In this invaluable guide, Dr. Michael H. Weisman, one of America's leading authorities on AS, provides a down-to-earth, crystal-clear guide that is ideal for patients and their family. Dr. Weisman explains what AS is, discusses the genetic background to the disease (including the genes that researchers think may predispose some people to AS), explains how to diagnose the disease early and possibly prevent the later development of debilitating rigidity, the use of MRI for early detection, and much more. The book outlines which medications (such as TNF inhibitors) seem the most promising right now, the various drug side effects, the value of physical therapy, other treatment approaches, and whether surgery can be used to manage the complications of the disease. AS can lead to severe disability, but even those who have a milder form will experience painful "flares" alternating with periods of remission. Since it is a progressive disease in many patients, it is very important to reach patients as early as possible. This book will arm patients with the vital information they need to combat the disease. Laurie M. Savage, the Executive Director of the Spondylitis Association of America (SSA), the main patient support group world-wide, has written a foreword to the book. In addition, SSA will endorse the book and their logo will appear on the cover. Contents 6 PART ONE: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 10 1. Overview of Ankylosing Spondylitis 12 2. History of Ankylosing Spondylitis 18 3. Who Gets Ankylosing Spondylitis? 22 4. Anatomy of the Spinal Column 24 PART TWO: WHERE AND HOW THE BODY CAN BE AFFECTED BY ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS 32 5. Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis 34 6. Other Manifestations of Ankylosing Spondylitis 42 7. Bone Health 52 PART THREE: ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS 56 8. Juvenile-Onset Ankylosing Spondylitis 58 9. Spondyloarthritis 64 PART FOUR: DISEASE MANAGEMENT 76 10. Disease Management 78 11. Surgery 88 12. Physical and Daily Activity 94 PART FIVE: THE FUTURE 102 13. What Does the Future Hold? 104 14. Frequently Asked Questions 110 Glossary 118 A 118 B 118 C 118 D 119 E 120 F 120 G 120 H 120 I 120 L 121 M 121 N 121 O 121 P 121 R 122 S 122 T 123 U 124 V 124 Y 124 Index 126 A 126 B 126 C 127 D 127 E 127 F 128 G 128 H 128 I 128 J 129 K 129 L 129 M 129 N 129 O 130 P 130 R 130 S 130 T 131 U 131 V 131 W 131 X 131 Y 131 Primarily a genetically determined family of diseases, AS typically strikes young people and young families. There is no cure, but medications, physical therapy, and surgery are used to control the disease. This book informs patients and their families about the disease, its outcome and prognosis, treatment concerns, drug side effects, and impact on functional disability.