19th January 2024

Background

The spondyloarthritides are a group of inflammatory rheumatological conditions predominantly affecting the spine or peripheral joints. They are characterised by inflammatory back pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints, and there is a strong association with HLA-B27 antigens. The synovitis is similar to that seen in rheumatoid arthritis; however, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP are typically negative.

The spondyloarthritides can be subdivided into:

• Axial – affecting the spine or sacroiliac joints, e.g., ankylosing spondylitis
• Peripheral – affecting peripheral joints, enthesitis or dactylitis, e.g. psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, enteric arthritis