[Current views on the pathogenesis and therapy of ankylosing spondylitis]

Ankylosing spondylitis is a frequent and disabling inflammatory chronic disease, that affects mainly young men. In this paper the authors reviewed the pathogenetic mechanism and pharmacological and physical treatment. Nowadays the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis is considered similar to that of reactive arthritis. The management of each patient should take into account the different aspects of the disease; therefore it should be individually designed.