Osteophyte

Osteophyte

An Osteophyte is a bony projection that forms along joint margins. It is also known as a bone spur. Osteophytes are usually caused by the wear and tear damage associated with Osteoarthritis. They can cause pain and loss of motion in the joints.

Causes

Osteophytes form naturally on the back of the spine as a person ages. They are a sign of degeneration in the body that may cause pain and other symptoms. Osteophytes can also form in the neck, shoulder, knee, hip, or foot. They can also form on the fingers or toes.

Symptoms

Most osteophytes cause no symptoms and may go undetected for years. They often show up unexpectedly on X-ray images taken for other reasons. However, depending on their location, osteophytes can cause pain and loss of motion in the joints.

Treatment

Treatment for osteophytes depends largely on how severe the symptoms are. Most treatments involve rest, exercise, and pain relieving drugs, such as NSAIDs. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the osteophyte.

See also

• Bone spur
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Osteophyte Resources
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