Spondylitis

Spondylitis is a disease in which inflammation of the vertebrae leads to partial or total fusion of the joints and bones of the spine. The condition begins with inflammation at a point of attachment for ligaments in the spine. As the inflammation heals, the process of new bone growth is set off and bone replaces the connective tissue. The fusion can spread throughout the column of vertebrae merging the segments. Spondylitis typically occurs at the sacroiliac joint of the pelvis as well as the neck and lower back. As the spine becomes more rigid, multiple small stress fractures may develop and the patient may adopt a flexed forward posture. Back pain caused by spondylitis is treated conservatively with NSAIDs and physical therapy.

• NSAIDs

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Deformity

• Fusion

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