| ankylosing hyperostosis | A form of degenerative arthritis characteristically associated with flowing calcification along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine and commonly with inflammation (tendinitis) and calcification of the tendons at their attachments points to bone. Because areas of the spine and tendons can become inflamed, antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such ibuprofen, can be helpful in both relieving pain and inflammation. Also called Forestier's disease. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| ankylosing spondylitis | <rheumatology> A polyarthritis involving the spine, which is characterised by progressive, painful stiffening of the joints and ligaments. It almost exclusively affects young men. Interestingly the disease seems to be associated with HLA B27, those with this histocompatability antigen are 300 times more likely to get the disease, 90% of sufferers have HLA B27 (18 Nov 1997) |
| spondylitis, ankylosing | The form of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the spine. It occurs predominantly in young males and produces pain and stiffness as a result of inflammation of the sacroiliac, intervertebral, and costovertebral joints. Aetiology is unknown. (12 Dec 1998) |