Axial Spondyloarthritis

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory condition that is challenging to diagnose, especially early in its clinical course. Delays in recognizing, diagnosing, and properly classifying cases of AS allow for ongoing clinical progression, which can result in avoidable pain, debilitation, and other negative impacts on quality of life and participation in life and society to the fullest. In this review article, we present background information about AS, as well as diagnostic tools and other guidance for physician assistants and other health care providers to aid in its early detection and appropriate classification to facilitate impactful treatment.