Deformity

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Ankylosing spondylitis usually is treated with:

• Pain or anti-inflammatory medications
• Antirheumatic drugs
• Exercise
• Physical therapy

Doctors in the UCSF Spine Center are currently working with new medications that inhibit immune-system cells, called cytokines, which appear to cause some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Joint replacement surgery, most commonly of the hips and shoulders, may be an option for severely affected patients. In addition, spinal reconstruction and internal bracing may be necessary to treat severe spine deformities associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007