Define ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine. This condition primarily affects the axial skeleton, leading to inflammation of the vertebral joints, which can result in pain and stiffness. Over time, this continuous inflammation can cause parts of the spine to fuse together, leading to reduced flexibility and a hunched posture, which characterizes advanced stages of the disease. Recognizing ankylosing spondylitis as a chronic inflammatory disease emphasizes its long-term progression and the systemic effects it can have beyond just the spine.

The other options inaccurately describe the condition; for instance, increased spinal mobility does not characterize ankylosing spondylitis, as the disease typically leads to stiffness and decreased mobility. Additionally, it is not a benign spinal growth nor is it merely a form of acute back pain, as those descriptions fail to capture the chronic nature and inflammatory aspect of the disease. Therefore, understanding ankylosing spondylitis as a chronic inflammatory disease highlights its serious implications for a patient’s long-term spinal health and overall quality of life.