M08: Juvenile arthritis

M08.1: Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects children, usually before the age of 16. With this condition, inflammation occurs in the spine and the places where the muscles, tendons, and ligaments attach to bones, which can cause discomfort, stiffness, and loss of motion, especially after periods of rest or sleep. These symptoms tend to be more severe in the morning and ease throughout the day or with physical activity. Over time, juvenile ankylosing spondylitis may cause the vertebrae (the bones in the spine) to fuse together, resulting in a rigid spine. In severe cases, this can affect a person's posture and breathing. It's important to note that the progression and severity of symptoms can vary greatly from child to child. The cause of the disease is unknown, but it is believed to involve genetic factors, as it’s more common in families with a history of certain genetic markers.