Spondyloarthropathies

Inflammatory Disorders Affecting the Spine and Joints

Spondyloarthropathies are a group of autoimmune conditions that primarily affect the spine, joints, and sometimes the skin, eyes, and gut. These disorders cause chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation, often beginning in early adulthood. Though the exact cause remains unclear, they are linked to genetic and immune system abnormalities, especially the HLA-B27 gene.

Common Types of Spondyloarthropathies:

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s Syndrome)
Enteropathic Arthritis (associated with Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy

Key Symptoms

* Chronic back pain (lasting for months)
* Early morning stiffness in the back or spine
* Pain relief with movement (not rest)
* Weight loss, loss of appetite, or fatigue
* In advanced cases: permanent spinal stiffness or fusion

Diagnosis at SV Ortho Care

At SV Ortho Care, under the expert guidance of Dr. VijayKumar D, diagnosis begins with:

* Detailed clinical evaluation
* Blood tests such as CRP (C-Reactive Protein) and ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) to assess inflammation
* HLA-B27 genetic testing if needed
* Categorization into Arthritis Panel 1 or 2 for further evaluation

Treatment Approach

Treatment is individualized based on your diagnosis and test results. The goal is early control of the disease to prevent permanent joint or spine damage.

Treatment Includes:

* Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) – for long-term disease control
* Biologic therapies – for resistant or severe cases
* Minimal use of painkillers – pain management is done with advanced injection techniques and physiotherapy
* Exercise therapy – central to long-term management and joint mobility

HLA-B27 Positivity in Spondyloarthropathies:

| Condition | HLA-B27 Positive (%) |
| ------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------- |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis | Caucasians: 92%, African Americans: 50% |
| Reactive Arthritis | 60–80% |
| Enteropathic Spondylitis | 60% |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | \~60% |
| Acute Anterior Uveitis | \~50% |
| Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis | Varies |
| Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy | 20–25% |

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Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
If you experience persistent back pain or morning stiffness, consult Dr. VijayKumar D at SV Ortho Care for expert care and specialized evaluation.