Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. Subtypes of axSpA include nonradiographic axSpA and radiographic axSpA, also known as ankylosing spondylitis, in which definitive damage to the sacroiliac joints can be observed via x-ray. Differentiating inflammatory back pain from mechanical back pain is extremely important for the timely diagnosis of axSpA. Delayed or inadequate treatment may decrease quality of life and lead to poor long-term outcomes, including irreversible loss of spinal function. In this CME activity, participants will play GameOn!, a quiz of knowledge and confidence, in which they will answer questions designed to hone their skills for the timely recognition, workup, and referral of patients with axSpA. Faculty will also quiz learners on common comorbidities and recommended treatment modalities.
Differentiate inflammatory back pain from mechanical back pain based on clinical symptomology, risk factors, and underlying pathophysiology.
Identify patients with symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and refer to a specialist as necessary.
Assess patients with axSpA for comorbidities and manage accordingly.
Review recommendations for early referral and pharmacotherapies that can be administered in the clinical setting to manage patients with axSpA.
The intended audience for this activity is physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, family medicine physicians, internal medicine physicians, sports and orthopedic medicine physicians, and other health care professionals involved in the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis and related conditions.
Leonard H. Calabrese, DO
Professor of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Case Western Reserve University
R.J. Fasenmyer Chair of Clinical Immunology
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
M. Elaine Husni, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Case Western Reserve University
Vice Chair of Rheumatology
Director, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
Marina Magrey, MD
Professor of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
Division Chief of Rheumatology
University Hospital Cleveland
Cleveland, OH