What is the inflammation of the joints of the vertebrae known as?

The inflammation of the joints of the vertebrae is specifically referred to as spondylarthritis. This term derives from "spondylo," which relates to the vertebrae or spine, and "arthritis," which means inflammation of the joints. Spondylarthritis encompasses various disorders affecting the joints in the spine, particularly focusing on conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation and can lead to fusion of the vertebrae.

In contrast, arthritis in general refers to any inflammation of the joints and is not specific to the spinal region. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that primarily involves wear and tear of joints rather than inflammation of the vertebrae joints specifically. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that impacts various joints throughout the body and is also not limited to the vertebrae. Therefore, spondylarthritis is the most precise term for inflammation of the joints of the vertebrae.