2.1
Ankylosing spondylitis and non‑radiographic axial spondyloarthritis are part of a group of clinically heterogeneous inflammatory rheumatologic diseases known as spondyloarthritis. Spondyloarthritis can be categorised as having either predominantly axial (sacroiliac joints or spine) or peripheral involvement. In people with axial spondyloarthritis, the predominant symptom is back pain with inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis) or the spine, or both. The onset of symptoms typically occurs in the third decade of life. Damage is progressive and irreversible and there is increased risk of spinal fracture later in life. There may also be peripheral joint involvement or extra‑articular manifestations such as uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.