Ankylosing Spondylitis is a disease of young males which presents with early morning stiffness, back pain and buttock pain along with redness of eyes(uveitis) as well as knee or other joint pains. Untreated it can lead to permanent stiffness in the spine with decreased range of motion. Around 90percent of these patients test positive for a gene called HLA B27 which runs in the family. Most of these patients fail to reach a rheumatologist in time and are treated by specialist other than Rheumatologist leading to marked delay in treatment. Most of these patients will have a first degree relative with similar complaints. Treatment of AS is possible and timely treatment from a Rheumatologist can lead to change in the disaese course. Advanced treatments in the form of biological injections are available which should be taken under strict guidance of Rheumatologist only. Sacroilitis is hallmark of this disease.
