anchilosante

Anchilosante is a term with limited or unclear use in medical literature. It is not widely recognized as a distinct medical condition by major medical databases. In some contexts it may be a misspelling or shorthand for espondilitis anquilosante (ankylosing spondylitis) or an informal local term for related spinal conditions.

Etymology and usage: The form resembles the Greek-derived prefix ankyl- meaning fused or stiff, and the suffix -sante, which appears in some Romance-language medical adjectives. The established Spanish term for the disease is espondilitis anquilosante; the English name is ankylosing spondylitis.

If used to refer to ankylosing spondylitis, the condition is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton. Onset is typically in adolescence or early adulthood. Symptoms include chronic low back pain and morning stiffness that improves with activity. Over time, spinal mobility may decrease and fusion of the spine may occur. Extra-articular features can include uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and peripheral arthritis.

Diagnosis uses clinical assessment, imaging showing sacroiliitis (X-ray or MRI), and laboratory tests including HLA-B27 status. Management is multidisciplinary: NSAIDs for symptom control; physical therapy and regular exercise to maintain posture and flexibility; and biologic therapies such as TNF inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors for refractory cases. Prognosis varies; early treatment improves outcomes.

See also: Ankylosing spondylitis; Espondilitis anquilosante.