ABSTRACT
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by sacroiliac and spine inflammation, and by extraosseous calcifications, leading in some patients to vertebral ankylosis. Generalized bone loss and osteoporosis were not considered in the past as important features of the disease and actually are currently underestimated by numerous rheumatologists (1). However, in the recent years, several studies have established that bone mineral density (BMD) is decreased, and that the prevalence of osteoporosis is increased, in AS compared to general population. In this chapter, we will present the current knowledge on BMD and bone metabolism in AS, discuss the clinical manifestations and the pathophysiology of bone loss and osteoporosis in AS, and discuss the management in clinical practice.
