Juvenile spondyloarthropathies: inflammation in disguise.

Spondyloarthropathies are inflammatory conditions of the spine, joints, and entheses that present in a variety of ways. They can take years to develop and there are no pathognomonic laboratory tests that confirm a diagnosis. Because of this, they can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in children. This article reviews the clinical characteristics of these inflammatory conditions and diagnostic and treatment approaches that are used in children.