colour X-ray of the lumbar and sacral spine in ankylosing spondylitis (A.S.), a chronic inflammatory arthritis of the spine and sacro- iliac joints, which connect the sacral spine to the pelvis. Inflammation begins in the sacro- iliac joints or lumbar spine, & may progress up the spine. In this severe case, the vertebrae have become fused, giving the bamboo spine" appearance. The neck & hips may also be affected. Pain and stiffness are treated with anti- inflammatory drugs & spinal mobility preserved through physiotherapy & regular exercises."