There are 2 types of axSpA: radiographic and non-radiographic.
Radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA or AS)
In radiographic axSpA, inflammation, and bone damage are visible on X-rays. This is most commonly called ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA)
When inflammation and bone damage are not seen on an X-rays, the condition is called non-radiographic axSpA.