Abstract
Recognition and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the early stages of the disease has yet to be established. This paper considers the evidence available and the questions that need to be answered regarding the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers in AS. The authors conclude that AS can and has to be diagnosed earlier than is being done at present, before radiological changes are evident, and the potential of TNF blockers to induce long term remission if given early enough needs to be clarified.