Flexion contractures of the hand in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (), a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis which arises in the spine a

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Flexion contractures of the hand in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (), a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis which arises in the spine and sacro-iliac joints. Inflammation typically begins in the lower spine & progresses upwards. In severe cases, vertebrae become fused to give a \bamboo spine\" appearance on X-rays. Peripheral involvment of the neck, hips & other joints may take place. The eyes may be affected by an inflammatory uveitis. Pain and stiffness are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs & spinal mobility preserved through physiotherapy and regular exercises."

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Photo credit: © DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: , ankylosing, arthritic, arthritis, condition, contracture, disease, disorder, flexion, hand, healthcare, joint, medical, medicine, spondylitis