Spondyloarthropathies: an overview

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. (Intern Med J 2002; 32: 40–46)