What Are Osteophytes?
Osteophytes which are protrusions of bone and cartilage are very common and develop in areas of a degenerating joint. They are associated with the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis. Osteophytes typically develop as a reparative response by the remaining cartilage.
Developing Osteophytes
Osteophytes may also develop from the tissue that lines the bone or joint and occur in any number of locations.
Diagnosing Osteophytes
Osteophytes can be diagnosed by clinical exam as with the PIP (proximal interphalangeal joint), DIP (distal interphalangeal joint) and first CMC joints (carpometacarpal joint) of the hand or by radiographs (x-rays). If you did radiographs on everyone over 50 years of age, most would show some osteophytes. Yet, most people with osteophytes are asymptomatic.
Treatment of Osteophytes
If symptomatic, treatment of osteophytes includes:
Related Resources - Osteophytes
Answer provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of TNF Blockers. The book is a must-have for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read my review of the book.
