Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Exam

Ankylosing spondylitis is primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. This condition, categorized under inflammatory spondyloarthritis, leads to progressive stiffness and pain in these areas, which may ultimately result in fusion of the vertebrae, significantly affecting mobility and posture over time. The inflammation is a key feature, contributing to the hallmark symptomatology of chronic back pain that improves with movement but is worsened by rest.

This characteristic distinguishes ankylosing spondylitis from other conditions. For instance, rheumatic nodules are associated with rheumatoid arthritis rather than ankylosing spondylitis. Increased flexibility of the spine runs contrary to the nature of the disease, which typically results in decreased flexibility as the condition progresses. Acute episodes of joint swelling are not typical of ankylosing spondylitis, which tends to have a more insidious onset and a chronic course rather than acute flare-ups.