Common Knee Disorders Spondyloarthropathies Spondyloarthropathies 1. Patient Demographics - The spondyloarthropathies include ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, and arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The first two conditions occur typically in HLA B27 positive patients between 20-40 year of age with males predominating. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in a wider age group with equal numbers of men and women affected.
Family history is frequently positive for a similar type of spondyloarthropathy.
Joint Pattern - Usually large joint lower extremity especially the knee and ankle. Sacroiliac joints are also frequently involved. Laboratory Evaluation - There are no diagnostic tests for the spondyloarthropathies and diagnosis depends an history and examination. The HLA B27 is useful in those patients who may not have dramatic symptoms or signs but by it self does not make a diagnosis. Indomethacin or piroxicam seem to work the best in my experience.