For the past 20 years, the world has witnessed remarkable advances in the field of spondyloarthritis (SpA) from better understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of SpA, utilisation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early diagnosis, to the discovery of advanced therapeutics for patients with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-refractory SpA. This is a vast improvement from the past where treatment was limited to NSAIDs and was frequently unsatisfactory for both physician and patient, and where diagnosis was made based on clinical evaluation and structural changes on plain radiographs. These advances have inevitably revolutionised the management of SpA in Singapore and patients can now look forward to an earlier diagnosis of their condition and better treatment. This review summarises the key advances in the field of SpA and describes the aims of the SpA clinic in the Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
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