Osteophyte

Osteophytes ( from Greek ὀστέον " bone " and φυτόν " greenhouse " ) are degenerative, structural changes in the form of bony spurs on the edge of the bone. These bone growths that can form as bony prominences on the edge of the articular surfaces, may occur in the form of slides, osteophytes, bumps or laminar deposits. The formation of osteophytes is a lack of ongoing attempt by the body to widen the bearing surface of an arthritic joint and thus to relieve pressure. They occur from osteoarthritic joint changes in stage 4. At the knee is called console formation, on the spine of spondylophytes or syndesmophytes (see also Osteochondrosis intervertebralis ). Osteophytes limit if they lie in the direction of movement, the mobility one. You can also carry out pressure on nerves and other soft tissues to pain and further damage. Differential diagnosis should they distinguished from exostoses.

Pathophysiology

In osteoarthritic joint changes occur through the cartilage destruction in mismatches in the area of the joint surfaces. This results from the stage II of osteoarthritis to locally circumscribed pressure increases, which are expressed in subchondral sclerosis. It caused local cartilage and bone necrosis, which impress radiologically as rubble cysts. It is believed that osteophytes from shares of necrosis as well as cartilage and bone abrasion form that accumulate at the edge of the joint surfaces and calcify secondarily. In horses osteophytes may arise as a local response to released by the inflamed synovial enzymes.

Diagnostics

Osteophytes are detectable on x-ray and sonography. They are considered a sign of advanced osteoarthritis.

Therapy

Osteophytes can cause by local pressure on nerves and other soft tissue pain and consequential damages or impede joint mobility mechanically. Broken Ostophyten can cause as loose bodies jamming in joints. You can arthroscopic or open surgery to remove depending on the extent and localization. Depending on the extent and localization of the underlying joint osteoarthritis may be displayed one endoprosthetic treatment or arthrodesis of the affected joint.