Rheumatology is a multidisciplinary branch of medicine that deals with the investigation, diagnosis and management of patients with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. This incorporates over 200 disorders affecting joints, bones, muscles and soft tissues, including inflammatory arthritis and other systemic autoimmune disorders, vasculitis, soft tissue conditions, spinal pain and metabolic bone disease. A significant number of musculoskeletal conditions also affect other organ systems.

 

The term ''rheumatology'' originates from the Greek word ''rheuma'', meaning "that which flows as a river or stream," and the suffix ''-ology'', meaning "the study of." Rheumatology is a rapidly evolving medical specialty, with advancements owing largely to new scientific discoveries about the immunology of these disorders.

 

Rheumatology is the practice and study of arthritis and other musculo-skeletal disorders affecting joints, bones, muscles and soft tissues.  It includes inflammatory arthritis and other systemic autoimmune disorders which can affect multiple systems of the body, vasculitis, soft tissue conditions, spinal pain and metabolic bone disease. A significant number of musculoskeletal conditions also affect other organ systems.

 

Dr Ellis has particular interests in rheumatic disorders which affect a variety of systems and organs in the human body, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and vascultis.  He also has an interest in the association of such conditions with other medical problems, including heart disease.