What is Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive Arthritis
(A) Anteroposterior radiographic views of the right ankle preoperatively and (B) at the last follow-up. Preoperatively, her right ankle shows end-stage osteoarthritic changes. (C) Black pigmentation and discoloration of the distal part of the tibia and talus (indicated by arrows) were observed during total ankle arthroplasty; this was due to long-term minocycline medication. (D) Hematoxylin-eosin-stained microphotograph of the black bone removed from the distal end of the tibia shows normal bone structure; there was no bone necrosis, deposition of hemosiderin, malignancy, or abnormalities of bone matrix (×200). Minocycline-induced periarticular black bones in inflamed joints which underwent arthroplasty reconstruction: Yang S, Takakubo Y, Kobayashi S, Asano T, Sasaki A, Sasaki K, Ohki H, Tamaki Y, Takagi M - Clinics in orthopedic surgery (2012). Not altered. CC.

Reactive Arthritis is a painful type of inflammatory arthritis in reaction to an infection. 

What is the Pathology of Reactive Arthritis?

The pathology of reactive arthritis is:

-Etiology: The cause of reactive arthritis is an infectious organism, most commonly Chlamydia trachomatis.

-Genes involved: HLA-B27.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to reactive arthritis is triggered by an infection. 

-Histology: The histology associated with reactive arthritis shows macrophages, Reiter cells, and mixed inflammatory infiltrate.

How does Reactive Arthritis Present?

Patients with reactive arthritis are typically men between ages 20 and 50. Some patients with reactive arthritis carry a gene called HLA-B27. Patients who test positive for HLA-B27 often have a more sudden and severe onset of symptoms. The classic triad of symptoms includes conjunctivitis,  non-infectious urethritis, and arthritis.

How is Reactive Arthritis Diagnosed?

Reactive arthritis is diagnosed clinically. If indicated a Chlamydia infection test may be obtained. 

How is Reactive Arthritis Treated?

Reactive arthritis is treated with NSAIDS and DMARDS. 

What is the Prognosis of Reactive Arthritis?

The prognosis of reactive arthritis is good, and symptoms typically resolve in about four months. 

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Last updated on May 24, 2022