强直性脊柱炎是一种慢性、进行性的自身免疫性炎症性关节病。它主要影响脊柱和骨盆关节，导致疼痛、僵硬和功能障碍。在临床实践中，确诊强直性脊柱炎是非常重要的，因为早期治疗可以减轻症状、延缓疾病进展并提高生活质量。

要确诊强直性脊柱炎，通常需要综合以下几个方面的信息：

1. 病史：患者的病史对确诊强直性脊柱炎非常有帮助。医生会询问痛苦背部或骨盆的疼痛开始时间、发作方式、疼痛的程度以及与活动相关的变化等情况。此外，了解家族中是否有其他类似症状的人也很重要。

2. 体格检查：医生会进行全面的体格检查，特别是对脊柱和骨盆进行详细的触诊。他们将寻找脊柱的僵硬度、活动度减少和关节的肿胀或变形等体征。此外，还会注意到眼睛、皮肤和指甲等其他可能与强直性脊柱炎相关的表现。

3. 影像学检查：X射线是最常用的检查方法之一。在早期，X射线可能不会显示出明显的异常。但随着疾病的进展，X射线可以显示出脊柱和骨盆关节的特征性改变，如融合、骨质增生和关节空间狭窄。此外，MRI扫描可更清楚地显示出早期病变，帮助医生更准确地诊断强直性脊柱炎。

4. 实验室检查：血液检查可以帮助医生评估炎症的程度和身体其他部分的受累情况。常规实验室检查中，白细胞计数和C反应蛋白（CRP）的升高可能提示有炎症存在。此外，HLA-B27基因检测也可用于支持强直性脊柱炎的诊断，因为大多数患者都具有该基因。

要确诊强直性脊柱炎，需要综合以上多个方面的信息。鉴于该病的早期症状常常不典型，医生可能需要跟踪观察一段时间才能确定诊断。有时还需要结合其他骨科专科医生、风湿科医生或眼科医生的意见。

另外，强直性脊柱炎是一种慢性疾病，无法完全治愈。但早期诊断和积极的治疗可以显著改善症状，减缓疾病进展，并提高患者的生活质量。

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory joint disease that primarily affects the spine and pelvic joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. In clinical practice, diagnosing AS is crucial as early treatment can alleviate symptoms, delay disease progression, and improve quality of life.

To diagnose AS, several aspects of information need to be considered:

1. Medical history: Patient's medical history is valuable in diagnosing AS. Physicians will inquire about the onset, pattern, severity of back or pelvic pain, and changes related to activities. Additionally, it is important to gather information about any family members with similar symptoms.

2. Physical examination: A comprehensive physical examination will be conducted, focusing particularly on the spine and pelvis. Physicians will assess spinal stiffness, reduced mobility, and signs of joint swelling or deformity. Furthermore, attention will be paid to other potential manifestations associated with AS such as the eyes, skin, and nails.

3. Imaging studies: X-ray is one of the commonly used diagnostic methods. In early stages, X-rays may not reveal significant abnormalities. However, as the disease progresses, characteristic changes in the spine and pelvic joints, such as fusion, bony proliferation, and narrowed joint spaces, can be observed. Additionally, MRI scans can provide clearer visualization of early lesions, aiding in accurate diagnosis of AS.

4. Laboratory tests: Blood tests can help assess the degree of inflammation and involvement of other parts of the body. Elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in routine laboratory tests may indicate inflammation. Furthermore, HLA-B27 gene testing can be useful in supporting the diagnosis of AS, as most patients possess this gene.

Diagnosing AS requires considering multiple aspects of information. Given that early symptoms of the disease are often atypical, physicians may need to track and observe over time to establish a diagnosis. Sometimes, consultation with other specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, or ophthalmologists may also be needed.

Furthermore, AS is a chronic condition that cannot be completely cured. However, early diagnosis and proactive treatment can significantly improve symptoms, slow disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for patients.