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What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

Updated February 01, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis which primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. In advanced cases the spine can become stiff and rigid.
Pronunciation: an-kill-lo-sing spond-il-itis
Also Known As: AS, spondy
Common Misspellings: anklelosing, ankelosing, anklosing, spondilitis
Examples:
The doctor diagnosed the patient with ankylosing spondylitis.
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