Spondyloarthritis (seronegative arthritis)

This condition is treated in the Inflammatory Spinal clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply to the referral standards and include in particular:

• Onset of condition
• Pattern of pain - spinal or peripheral joint involvement
• Current and past medications
• Precipitating factors e.g. gut, urinary or Strep infections

If the diagnosis is established refer if:

• Worsening of disability
• Threat to independence
• Difficulty with employment
• Assistance needed with self-management

Tests

• X-ray affected joint/s
• FBE
• ESR or CRP
• LFTs
• U&E Cr
• Uric Acid

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Inflammatory Spinal clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Consider paracetamol and NSAIDS to reduce symptoms. Short course of corticosteroids may also be useful whilst awaiting review.

Physical therapies - regular exercise, stretching, weight control, heat and ice may improve symptoms and maintain mobility.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Patient information advice is found at Arthritis Australia

Clinic appointments

? Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Urgent (Category 1)

? Febrile patients with acute exacerbation of back pain

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks

Availability

North

Contact central triage at:

Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982

Physiotherapy: [email protected],

Nurse Practitioner: [email protected]

North West

Contact central triage at:

Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982

Physiotherapy: [email protected],

Nurse Practitioner: [email protected]

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 10)
Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982

Physiotherapy: [email protected]
Nurse Practitioner: [email protected]