Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network Recommendations for the Referral of Adults With Chronic Back Pain and Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis to a Rheumatologist - Report - MDSpire
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Guidelines from the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network on Referring Adults with Chronic Back Pain for Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis Evaluation by Rheumatologists

  • By

  • Maureen Dubreuil

  • Abhijeet Danve

  • Jean W. Liew

  • Swetha Ann Alexander

  • Yuliya Afinogenova

  • Mohamad Bittar

  • Liana Fraenkel

  • Alyssa Grimshaw

  • Anand Kumthekar

  • Michael P. LaValley

  • Marina Nighat Magrey

  • Vikas Majithia

  • Sali Merjanah

  • Hillary Norton

  • Jessica A Walsh

  • Atul Deodhar

  • September 3, 2026

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Guidelines from the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network on Referring Adults with Chronic Back Pain for Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis Evaluation by Rheumatologists

Overview

The Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) has developed evidence-based referral recommendations for adults with chronic back pain at risk for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Background

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory disorder affecting a notable percentage of the adult population, leading to chronic pain and disability. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management, yet many patients experience significant delays in referral and diagnosis. The development of specific referral guidelines addresses this need in North America.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Approximately 5% of individuals with chronic back pain have axSpA.
  • The mean diagnostic delay for axSpA is reported to be six to eight years, compared to four months for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • SPARTAN's referral recommendations are based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic features suggestive of axSpA.
  • The referral approach aims to increase the estimated probability of axSpA among referred individuals to approximately 33%.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the specific referral criteria for axSpA.

Conclusion

The SPARTAN guidelines represent a significant advancement in the referral process for suspected axSpA.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network, Guidelines, 2023 -- Referral Recommendations for Axial Spondyloarthritis
  2. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Remote Monitoring Model of Care for Stable Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research: Qualitative Study
  3. Clinical Rheumatology — Challenges in diagnosing and monitoring radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in daily clinical practice
  4. Clinical Rheumatology — Diagnostic Hurdles and Missed Opportunities in Axial Spondyloarthritis in the United States
  5. Clinical Rheumatology — Evaluating Delays in Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis Among US Patients with Back Pain: Analyzing Provider Involvement and Contributing Factors to Referral Times
  6. Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Remote Monitoring Model of Care for Stable Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis
  7. Challenges in diagnosing and monitoring radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in daily clinical practice
  8. Diagnostic Hurdles and Missed Opportunities in Axial Spondyloarthritis in the United States
  9. Evaluating Delays in Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis Among US Patients with Back Pain
  10. Performance of referral strategies for patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis
  11. https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltee37abb6b278ab2c/blt424f1e71604af245/axspa-guideline-summary-2026.pdf

Original Source(s)

Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network Recommendations for the Referral of Adults With Chronic Back Pain and Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis to a Rheumatologist

  • by Maureen Dubreuil, Abhijeet Danve, Jean W. Liew, Swetha Ann Alexander, Yuliya Afinogenova, Mohamad Bittar, Liana Fraenkel, Alyssa Grimshaw, Anand Kumthekar, Michael P. LaValley, Marina Nighat Magrey, Vikas Majithia, Sali Merjanah, Hillary Norton, Jessica A Walsh, Atul Deodhar

  • September 3, 2026

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