Joint and spine damage in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract

Damage to the joints and spine is a frequent extra-intestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Studies show a genetic and immunological link between joint damage and intestinal inflammation. Oligo- and polyarthritis of small and large joints, arthralgia, ankylosing spondylitis may develop. Arthritis in IBD is seronegative, characterized by non-erosive and non-destructive lesions. Articular syndrome is more often associated with a severe course of IBD and a large extent of the lesion. Arthritis with IBD, basically, debuts simultaneously with intestinal inflammation or occurs after, but may precede the development of IBD. Joint damage can make its debut with a detailed clinical picture, cases of latent course are also described, which complicates the timely diagnosis. The combination of joint syndrome and intestinal inflammation requires an interdisciplinary approach.