Inflammation can also be found in the intervertebral disks resulting in discitis and spondylitis, which can be seen as narrowing of the intervertebral space and destruction of the adjacent cover plates. Seldom synovitis and osteitis can be found in the atlantoaxial area leading to erosions and destruction of the lateral atlantoaxial joint. At the worst the joint is destabilized, this may cause cord compression and neurological loss of function. The costovertebral and costotransverse joints are quite commonly affected, being causal to reduced chest expansion and decreased vital capacity of the lungs. .
