Spondyloarthritis (Ankylosing Spondylitis)

This condition is treated in the Inflammatory Spinal clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

• Onset of condition (ageunder 45 years)
• Pain pattern - back pain, morning stiffness duration
• Family history
• Social/work history
• Functional capacity
• Current and past medications
• Current and past therapies

If the diagnosis is established refer if:

• Worsening of disability
• Threat to independence
• Difficulty with employment.
• Assistance with self-management
• Optimisation of pharmacological (e.g. biologic) and non-pharmacological management

Tests

• FBE
• ESR or CRP
• LFT
• U&E
• HLA B27

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.

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

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) and Biologic agents may be advised by the consultant.

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.

Emergency

🚩 Febrile patients with acute exacerbation of back pain

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

Clinic not suitable for urgent referrals (as per scope)

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Severely incapacitating disease

Evidence of active and/ or progressive arthritis

Elevated inflammatory markers

Routine (Category 3)

Clinical signs of spondyloarthritis not evident.

Next available appointment

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]