Osteophyte
A Osteophyte is a pointed growth on a bone also known as a bone spur.. A Osteophyte is
caused by calcium deposits in unwanted areas of the body.
Types of Osteophytes
- Osteophytes are of two basic types. One is the kind that arises near a joint with
osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. In this situation, the cartilage has been
worn through and the bone responds by growing extra bone at the margins of the joint
surface. These "spurs" carry the formal name "osteophytes." They are
common features of the osteoarthritic shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle. Removing these
osteophytes is an important part of joint replacement surgery, but removing them without
addressing the underlying arthritis is usually not effective in relieving symptoms.
- The second type of Osteophyte is the kind that occurs when the attachment of ligaments
or tendons to bone become calcified. Thus can occur on the bottom of the foot, around the
Achilles Tendon, and in the coroacoacromial ligament of the shoulder. Thus spurs often
look impressive on X-rays, but because they are in the substance of the ligaments, rarely
cause sufficient problems to merit excision.
Osteophytes - Osteophytes
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints.
Over time, this cartilage may wear down and its smooth surface roughens. Eventually, you
may have bone rubbing on bone — resulting in pain due to damage to the ends of your
bones.
Your body usually tries to repair this damage. But the repairs may result instead in
growth of new bone along the sides of the existing bone (Osteophytes). This produces
prominent lumps, most often on hands and feet.
Osteophytes - Other
The second type of Osteophyte is the kind that occurs when the attachment of ligaments
or tendons to bone become calcified. Thus can occur on the bottom of the foot, around the
Achilles Tendon, and in the coroacoacromial ligament of the shoulder. Thus spurs often
look impressive on X-rays, but because they are in the substance of the ligaments, rarely
cause sufficient problems to merit excision. |
