Spondyloarthropathies: an overview

Intern Med J. 2002 Jan-Feb;32(1-2):40-6.

Abstract

Spondyloarthropathies are important and common inflammatory arthropathies that occur in approximately 2% of the population. They are often underrecognized. The diagnosis features the presence of asymmetrical, predominately lower limb arthritis and/or inflammatory back pain. The spondyloarthropathies can be subdivided into several disease subcategories, including ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's/reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis and a large group of undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. The interactions between infectious agents and the individual's genetic background are important aetiological factors. Therapies for these conditions include physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and disease-modifying drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Spondylarthropathies* / diagnosis
  • Spondylarthropathies* / epidemiology
  • Spondylarthropathies* / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antirheumatic Agents