What are the complications of ankylosing spondylitis (AS)?

What are the complications of ankylosing spondylitis (AS)?

Ankylosing spondylitis may affect more than the spine. The disease may inflame joints in the pelvis, shoulders, hips and knees, and between the spine and ribs. People with AS are more prone to spinal fractures (broken vertebrae). Other complications include:

• Fused vertebrae (ankylosis).
• Kyphosis (forward curvature of the spine).
• Osteoporosis.
• Painful eye inflammation (iritis or uveitis) and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Heart disease, including aortitis, arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy.
• Chest pain that affects breathing.
• Jaw inflammation.
• Cauda equina syndrome (nerve scarring and inflammation).