Spondylarthropathies, also known as spondyloarthritis, refers to a group of chronic inflammatory joint diseases that primarily affect the spine and other major joints in the body. The term encompasses several specific conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. Although they have distinct clinical features, these conditions share common genetic, immunological, and environmental factors.
Spondylarthropathies are characterized by inflammation of the joints, ligaments, and entheses (the areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones). This results in symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased mobility. Moreover, spondylarthropathies may involve extra-articular manifestations, affecting other organs or systems, such as the skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, or heart.
The onset of spondylarthropathies usually occurs during adolescence or early adulthood, with a higher prevalence in males. The diseases are often chronic and progressive, with varying severity and fluctuating symptoms. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory findings.
Treatment of spondylarthropathies aims to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while preserving joint function. It typically involves a combination of pharmacological interventions, physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and occasionally, biologic agents that target specific molecules contributing to inflammation.
Overall, spondylarthropathies represent a group of complex, chronic inflammatory joint diseases that primarily affect the spine and other major joints
