An osteophyte, sometimes known as a bone spur, is a small bony prominence that can occur in the joints of the body. The cause of osteophytes depends on the exact condition, but they are often the result of arthritis or other diseases, including bone infections. Although some bone spurs form naturally, many will limit the movement of a joint and also cause the patient pain. In many joints, the formation of an osteophyte signifies the degeneration of that area of the body.
The reason bone spurs initially form is because a joint is being put under more pressure than it can handle. When the body realizes that a joint is becoming damaged, often from conditions such as arthritis, it attempts to increase the surface area of the joint through the use of an osteophyte. Unfortunately, this can cause additional pain and may limit joint movement. Because bone spurs are caused by degenerative diseases, they are often used as a measure to find out the severity of a person's condition.
There are two main types of osteophytes. The first is the marginal type and these can develop at the edge of every joint in the body. A central osteophyte usually occurs in the knee or hip, although they have been known to form in other places. Spurs form from the tissue around the edge of the joint. A bone spur will usually form due to damage that occurs due to inflammation, although spurs can also come from damage to the attachment points of ligaments or tendons.
Diagnosing an osteophyte is usually a straightforward process. A plain x-ray often shows the location of the spurs. Sometimes a clinical evaluation is all that is needed. Although bone spurs can be a significant problem, they are present in most people over the age of 50, although not all cases will cause complications or pain.
Treatment for an osteophyte depends on the severity of the individual's condition. In mild cases, physical therapy and pain relievers will often be used to help control the problem and reduce pain. In the worst case, surgery may be required to repair the spur, although this is usually not necessary. Sometimes certain supplements can be used to help the condition.
Bone spurs form naturally in the back as a person ages. It is possible to tell how much the spine has degenerated by looking at the number of bone spurs. Spurs are often symptoms of a more serious underlying condition.