Thoracic spondyloarthropathies
Spondyloarthropathies (called spondyloarthritis) is a name given to a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the spinal joints. As such, it is a category of disease rather than a single, specific disorder. It differs from spondylopathy, which is a disease of the spinal bones themselves. However, many conditions involve both spondylopathy and spondyloarthropathy. These conditions include ankylosing spondylitis, Reactive syndrome (reactive arthritis), psoriatic arthritis and enteropathic arthritis (caused by inflammatory bowel disease). These conditions do not just affect the bones; they seem to cause irritation where ligaments and tendon attach to bones (enthesis).
Types of spondyloarthropathies
- Axial spondyloarthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis)
- Reactive arthritis
- Enteropathic arthropathy (i.e., spondylitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, e.g., Crohn’s disease)
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Symptoms
The thoracic spine may or may not be involved with spondyloarthropathies. In ankylosing spondylitis, the mid-back becomes stiff and eventually can fuse (ankylose) in advanced cases. These conditions are associated with deferent symptoms that affect more than just joints. They are associated with generalised joint pain in the hands and feet, back pain, eye inflammation (uveitis), gastrointestinal symptoms (inflammatory bowel disease), and rashes (psoriasis).
Treatment
Speak to your healthcare professional for personalised information in regards to the most appropriate treatment for spondyloarthropathies.
