Inflammatory Arthritis/ Spondyloarthropathy

If you or a family member needs care for inflammatory arthritis (known as spondyloarthropathy), the Rheumatology Center of UMass Memorial Medical Center and its team are here to help you.

What is Spondyloarthropathy?

If you are experiencing inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and/or joints, especially the hips and knees, you may have one of several diseases referred to as spondyloarthropathy. Our rheumatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating all forms of inflammatory arthritis and spondyloarthropy.

Forms of Spondyloarthropathy

There are several types of spondyloarthropathies; each has specific, defining characteristic symptoms/ features that your rheumatologist will speak with you about.

Forms of spondyloarthropy include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reactive arthritis syndrome
• Psoriatic arthritis with sacroilitis and spondylitis
• Spondyloarthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Spondyloarthropathy

UMass Memorial rheumatologists are experts at diagnosing and treating spondyloarthropathies and educating patients. As part of your care, your rheumatologist will:

• Confirm diagnosis by taking a careful history, performing a detailed physical examination and obtaining sophisticated imaging, including computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine and/or pelvis
• Partner with your primary care doctor to manage your illness and any underlying or associated diseases 
• Initiate appropriate treatment
• Monitor your response to treatment, possible medication-related side effects, and potential disease complications