Spondyloarthritis (Ankylosing Spondylitis)
The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form. This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date. If you receive this SMS, please update your details.
Availability
North 
South North West Statewide 
This condition is treated in the Inflammatory Spinal clinic
Pre-referral work-up
History
- Onset of condition (age<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 Tasmanian Health Pathways website.
Emergency
Febrile patients with acute exacerbation of back pain
Urgent / category 1
Clinic not suitable for urgent referrals (as per scope)
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.
Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.
Patient information advice is found at Arthritis Australia
* Fever
* Neurological signs
* Cauda equina signs
Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6777 6405 Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120 Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100 Fax: (03) 6173 0489
Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.
We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks
We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks
Next available appointment
