Osteophytes - what are they? Osteophytes of the spine, joints, foot (heel spur), hand - causes and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods, folk remedies, photos. Getting rid of marginal bone growths of the vertebrae Needle-shaped marginal osteophyte

Osteophytes of the knees in photos and x-rays

Osteophytes are a common disease that affects bone tissue and appears as single or multiple bone growths. Typically, growths develop after injuries and are detected by chance on an X-ray examination. The article will tell you what osteophytes are and how to treat them.

Types of pathology

In medicine, an osteophyte is a type of inert growth, the appearance of which is provoked by a specific cause. It should not be confused with exostoses, which are benign bone growths on joints. In osteophyte, the ICD 10 code is represented by the number 25.7. There are several classifications, depending on the location of formation, cause and cell structure. They allow you to decide how to get rid of osteophytes.

Depending on the structure

Depending on the cellular structure, the following types are distinguished:

Marginal bone osteophytes are formed from the outer bone layer. Since it is most developed at the ulna, radius, humerus, femur, tibia, phalanges of the fingers, small bones of the feet, osteophytosis of the edges of the articular surfaces develops in this area;
Osteocancellous are based on a spongy substance that participates in the formation of the core and articular surfaces. From this component soft, small bones are formed, such as ribs, tarsus of the foot, and vertebrae. Osteophytes of the calcaneal bones are formed when there is excessive load on the affected area;
Osteochondral joints are formed in the articular region, where the surface of the bones is covered with cartilage. With excessive load, as a result of the inflammatory, degenerative process, the cartilage structure is disrupted. Thinning of the cartilage, bone growth, and formation of outgrowths occur. IN in this case pathology is the body's response to stress. Since it helps to increase bone area. Osteophytes of the femur and knee joint usually develop;
Metaplastic growths are formed when the cellular composition is disturbed. The enlargement of cells leads to their active reproduction. This type is formed as a result inflammatory process, infection, fracture. This often causes osteophytes to form in the upper part of the navicular joint.

This classification is necessary for the treatment of osteophytes.

Depending on the reason

A classification based on the reasons that caused the growths is often used:

Traumatic ones are formed due to bone trauma, cracks, fractures. More often, osteophytes are formed by the fusion of displaced bone fragments. As a result of the associated inflammatory process, growths of various shapes, locations, and configurations form. Sometimes the traumatic appearance is caused by ligament separation, rupture of the joint capsule, or detachment of the periosteum;
Degenerative-dystrophic ones are formed as a result of a chronic, sluggish inflammatory process, a degenerative disease. As a result of inflammation, the cartilage that covers the bones forms projections that provide increased cartilage area. Over time, the growths ossify and beak-shaped osteophytes are formed. This is how osteophytes of the hip joint develop;
Inflammatory lesions develop due to infection of the bone. Pus leads to melting bone tissue with the subsequent formation of defects in the form of failures and holes. Then active bone regeneration occurs, culminating in osteophytes of various sizes. Typically, the inflammatory appearance is characterized by chaotically located growths;
Tumors form during malignant neoplasm, metastasis. Cancer cells damage bone tissue, which leads to the formation of large growths. In this way, a heel spur or visor is formed;
Endocrine diseases develop as a result of altered bone structure and metabolic diseases. Acromegaly leads to the growth of osteophytes on the surface of the bone, diabetes– on the phalanges of the fingers;
Neurogenic are formed due to impaired nervous regulation and metabolic process;
As a result of increased physical activity, the periosteum is damaged due to sudden muscle contraction, tearing, and pinching of the joint during movement. Regular damage triggers the repair process. Athletes and people engaged in heavy physical labor are predisposed to this phenomenon.

Interesting!
U different types osteophytes, there is a different course of the disease, different in symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the disease are related to its stage. On initial stage the patient does not feel pain, so he is in no hurry to see a doctor. At the second stage, a degenerative process forms, the cartilage is destroyed, the patient begins to feel discomfort and pain when moving.

As they grow, when the growths reach a fairly large size, impaired joint mobility is observed due to the blocking of movements by a bone formation. Marginal osteophytes of the articular surfaces limit the range of motion. The patient loses the ability to move normally. At the third stage of the disease, deformation of the joint occurs due to a marked increase in the osteophyte, which has taken on its load. Complete destruction of cartilage occurs.

Characteristic features are:

Feeling of pain of a dull, pressing, stabbing nature;
Impaired mobility of the limb, which develops over 2-3 months;
Leg deformity;
Swelling;
Arthralgia, manifested by pain of a volatile nature;
Redness of the skin;
Lameness.

On a note!
Heel spurs, in which osteophytes form on the foot, are characterized by severe pain in the morning. This is due to the fact that the tendons shorten during the night and stretch again after waking up.

Causes

The causes of osteophytes are:

Injuries;
Dystrophic phenomena of bone and joint tissue, spondylosis;
Inflammation of inert tissue, tuberculosis, arthritis, brucellosis;
Tumor conditions, sarcoma, osteochondroma;
Metastasis as a result of breast and prostate cancer;
Endocrine diseases, diabetes mellitus;
Neurology, which disrupts the nutrition of the nerves that go to the bones;
Excessive load on the joint as a result of flat feet, excess weight, incorrect posture, active sports training;
Physical inactivity.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of osteophytes is carried out while simultaneously identifying the cause of their formation. The following methods are used for this:

X-ray, which allows you to identify even growths that are small in size, up to 2-3 mm. On x-ray they have a beak different shapes. The method determines the exact location of the pathology, its contours, structure;
CT diagnoses the disease more effectively and provides information about the condition of nearby tissues;
MRI is rarely used and provides accurate information about osteophytes.

Treatment

Treatment of osteophytes at the initial stage is not required. When it begins to cause unpleasant symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will help cure the pathology.

Conservative treatment

Your doctor will tell you how to treat osteophytes, based on your symptoms. Drug therapy eliminates signs of the disease, stops the inflammatory process, which contributes to the appearance of growth. Conservative treatment includes:

Drug therapy;
Physiotherapy;
Massage;
Use of an orthopedic device, external prosthesis, cane, fixator;
Normalization of weight.

To relieve pain and improve the condition of surrounding tissues, the following are used: medications:

Local remedies that belong to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Ketoprofen;
B vitamins help improve the condition of the affected tissue - Neuromultivit, Milgamma;
Medicines that contain phosphorus, magnesium, calcium - Magnerot, Calcevita;
Chondroprotectors – Chondroxide, Rumalon;
For heel spurs, it is recommended to inject hormonal agents into the foot - Diprospan, Hydrocortisone. This method is used in exceptional cases, since this group of drugs can lead to rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Drug therapy for osteophytes is carried out in courses throughout life.

Physiotherapy

Along with drug therapy Physiotherapy is used to supplement this. It enhances the effectiveness of medications, improves leg mobility, normalizes blood circulation, and leads to the subsidence of the inflammatory process. Usually prescribed:

Electrophoresis for pain relief;
Acupuncture to reduce increased muscle tone, reduce pain;
Ultrasonic waves to eliminate inflammation, reduce the process that provokes the formation of growths;
Diadynamic therapy improves blood supply, normalizes the delivery of nutrition and oxygen to tissues;
Vibroacoustics relieves pain;
Magnetic therapy reduces inflammation, relieves swelling;
Shock wave therapy softens osteophytes, leads to their spontaneous resorption, and crushes calcium deposits.

On a note!
Shock wave therapy can eliminate growths without surgery.

Foot fixation

To alleviate the patient’s condition, the following types of foot fixation are used:

Taping involves applying a patch to the longitudinal arch of the foot and is used to maintain the sole in a physiological position. It is better to perform this fixation after exercise therapy. Since gymnastics leads to stretching of the fascia of the sole. The doctor selects a set of exercises based on the patient’s condition, his age, and the presence of concomitant diseases;
Orthoses that help relieve the load on the leg at night. This device fixes the foot and does not shorten the tendons. It allows you to treat osteophytes of the foot.

Foot fixation must be combined with other therapeutic methods.

Surgery

Removal of osteophytes is carried out when conservative treatment is unsuccessful or at the third stage of the disease, when the growths lead to immobilization of the patient. Surgeons use the following techniques:

A progressive method is to remove osteophytes with a laser, resulting in their destruction. This method is the most gentle and does not require incisions;
Endoscopy, during which several small incisions are made through which the growth can be removed. The operation is carried out under ultrasound supervision;
Endoprosthetics is used to treat a damaged joint. During the procedure, the affected tissues are removed and replaced with special prostheses.

ethnoscience

To slow down the development of pathology and normalize the patient’s condition, traditional methods. Treatment of osteophytes with folk remedies should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Popular means include:

3 tbsp. l. pour 1 cup of boiling water over hawthorn. Leave for 1 hour, drink before meals;
After taking a warm bath, apply a bandage soaked in infusion to the affected area. kombucha. Wrap it in cellophane and a scarf and leave it overnight;
Steam 1 burdock leaf, 10 plantain leaves using a water bath. Place on the sore spot, secure, cover with a warm scarf;
1 tbsp. l. lilac, 150 ml. alcohol Leave for 7 days, strain, rub the joint;
100 ml. olive oil, 10 drops of peppermint oil, tea tree, eucalyptus. Rub the resulting solution onto the affected area.

Clay is widely used in the treatment of osteophytes. To do this, warm clay must be applied to the affected area, covered with cellophane and a scarf.

Nutrition

In the treatment of osteophytes, nutrition plays a large role. The diet should include collagen, which is necessary for the structure of the joint, fruits and vegetables, which are antioxidants. The following dishes are considered healthy:

Meat, fish broth;
Marrow bones are a source of collagen, essential for human cartilage;
Jellied meat is recommended for people suffering from leg diseases. It contains many proteoglycans that attract water to the joints;
Fruits and vegetables slow down the process of cartilage destruction, enrich tissues with oxygen, and prevent the formation of new growths.

People suffering from this pathology are not advised to fast, but they should not overeat. Excess weight increases the risk of osteophyte formation.

Osteophytes require constant monitoring by a specialist to control their size. By conducting conservative treatment you can stop the pathology and avoid surgery.

Patients who have received information about the presence of osteophytes in the spine associate their back pain with them. These bone growths are a direct sign of degenerative changes in the spine, so their presence can cause pain. Mostly, osteophytes is one of the radiological markers for degenerative changes in the spinal column. Their formation will only speak about involutional changes in the spine. Osteophytes over the age of 60 can occur quite often.

Dr. Ignatiev’s clinic treats spinal osteophytes using manual techniques. The doctor will unblock the vertebrae, restore normal blood flow in the spine and cartilage tissue.

Types of osteophytes

There are several types of osteophytes:

massive;
degenerative-dystrophic;
post-traumatic;
neurogenic origin;
periosteal;
arising from systemic changes in skeletal structure.

Marginal or massive osteophytes may develop due to malignant tumors in the bone. On X-rays they are seen as a visor or spurs. This is an important sign in diagnosis. As a consequence of impaired cartilage growth, osteophytes can also form in benign tumors.

Degenerative-dystrophic growths form with a disease such as arthrosis deformans. Then This results in restrictions in joint movement, but without bone degradation. Exceptions are deforming spondylosis, when the articular surfaces are fused and mobility is completely lost.

Such growths are divided into:

local osteophytes are the result of overloads in the local joint;
of a general nature - appear with senile arthrosis.

As a result, the elasticity of the cartilage is lost. And specific beak-shaped growths form on the bone, which will completely cover the joint and limit movement. Separately, mobility itself in areas of the vertebra may be lost.

Post-traumatic osteophytes are the consequences of various types of injuries, damage to the bone structure. The formation of such growths will be possible while preserving the bone in case of periosteum tears. Gradually it hardens and turns into an osteophyte. In the spine area, post-traumatic osteophytes are quite rare.

After inflammation, periosteal osteophytes can grow in the spine. They appear on the basis of useful components of the periosteum. As a result of endocrine disorders and permanent disorders in the skeleton, osteophytes can form. Their appearance can lead to disturbances in a person’s psychological health – with disordered bone formations, a nervous breakdown is observed.

A classification of osteophytes according to localization has been developed:

anterior osteophytes - form on the anterior zones of the spinal body. Affects the thoracic region and causes rare pain;
Posterior osteophytes – “grow” on the posterior surfaces of the vertebrae. Such formations are accompanied by severe pain, since mechanical pressure is observed directly on the nerve trunks in the intervertebral foramina;
anterolateral growths – characterized by an unusual shape similar to a bird’s beak, horizontal direction;
posterolateral osteophytes affect the area of the cervical spine. It causes intervertebral compression in the spinal cord.

Rarely, kissing osteophorites occur. Their sharp ends are close to each other. Appear on areas where there is a lot of pressure that changes shape intervertebral discs.

Constant loads on the spine are gradually accompanied by degeneration of the spinal discs, and the joints in the spine wear out. If we also take into account a combination of factors such as poor posture, age, and injuries, the effect on the spinal joints and structures increases significantly. For example, with the wear of the intervertebral disc, a huge load is placed on the joints and ligaments, which gradually thickens the ligaments, leading to the accumulation of lime in them, and friction also occurs in the joints themselves, which is accompanied by excessive growth bone formations. As a result, osteophytes are formed.

Already at a young age they can be observed degenerative changes in tissues. However, the process is quite slow, therefore, at first there is no effect on the nervous structures until the person is 60-70 years old.
There are several factors that can accelerate degenerative changes, growth of osteophytes:

nutrition;
poor ergonomics, posture, poor lifestyle;
congenital features;
injuries received.

However, common reason for the appearance of osteophytes is the presence of arthrosis of the facet joints. This is a disease causes severe back pain in patients over 55 years of age. Arthrosis of the facet joints is accompanied by pain in the lumbar region, severe stiffness in the early morning. Symptoms decrease during the day, but in the evening they appear with renewed vigor.

The most common cause for lumbar, cervical osteoarthritis there will be a genetic predisposition. Patients often note the onset of the disease at the age of 40-50 years. Men are more likely to develop symptoms at an early age. And in women the manifestations will be pronounced.

Most frequent symptoms– this is pain in the neck, lower back due to the development of inflammation in the joints in combination with muscle spasms– reactions to inflammation.

Typical symptoms are:

when walking, dull pain appears in the neck and lower back;
radiating pain in the shoulders, headache;
pain in the lower back with impact to the back of the thigh.

Symptoms, which are caused by the development of osteophytes, will be especially pronounced during intense physical exertion, and will decrease after the person has rested. In addition, the manifestations can decrease significantly after bending the body and bending at the waist. If compression of the nerves by osteophytes occurs, the following symptoms may occur:

pain in legs, arms;
tingling, numbness;
weakness that progresses to the limbs.

In rare situations, operation may be disrupted Bladder, intestines. However, such symptoms can be associated not only with osteophytes, but also with diseases such as impaired blood flow in the extremities, infections, spinal fractures, and tumors in the spinal cord. Experts note that there are many symptoms with osteophytes that will be similar to CRS or rheumatoid arthritis, similar to compression of the nerve roots in the disc by intervertebral herniations. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a full examination of the patient before prescribing treatment.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Osteophyte is a pathological formation of bone tissue, located in the form of a growth on various surfaces of the bones. Because the appearance The formations resemble an elongated outgrowth; they are often called spurs or thorns. Moreover, osteophytes on the bones of the sole of the feet are almost always called heel spurs.

As a rule, osteophytes form on the marginal part of the bone, which is subjected to strong loads that deform its normal structure. In addition, osteophytes can form on bones as a result of any pathological process affecting them directly or indirectly, for example, with osteomyelitis, diabetes mellitus, osteochondrosis, etc. Due to the fact that osteophytes deform the normal outlines of bones, they can provoke movement restrictions and pain, but most often these growths do not cause any inconvenience, being asymptomatic and detected by chance during x-ray examinations.

Photo of osteophytes

This photograph shows a type of osteophyte on a vertebra.

This image shows the appearance of the osteophytes (in red) of the femoral head and articular surface of the pelvis.

This image shows a view of the calcaneal osteophyte (highlighted in red around the bottom).

Types of osteophytes

The term "osteophyte" is always used with an addition in the form of indicating its type and the causative factor that provoked the formation of the outgrowth. In medical practice, an osteophyte always means a specific type of bone growth, provoked by a specific cause, since these formations differ very much from each other depending on the location, causative factor and cellular structure.

Depending on the cellular structure, the following types of osteophytes are distinguished:

Bone compact;
Bone spongy;
Osteochondral;
Metaplastic.

Bone compact osteophytes formed from the outer layer of bones. Since this compact outer layer is most strongly developed in the femur, tibia, shoulder, elbow, radius, as well as in small bones of the feet and phalanges of the fingers, then osteophytes of this structure develop precisely on these bones. Most often, compact bone osteophytes form on the bones of the feet and phalanges of the fingers.

Bone cancellous osteophytes formed from spongy substance that forms the core and articular surfaces of various bones. In addition, some small and soft bones, such as the vertebrae, ribs, sternum, wrist, and tarsus of the foot, consist entirely of spongy substance. Osteophytes of this type are usually formed due to excessive loads on the listed bones.

Osteochondral osteophytes usually develop in joint cavities, in which the surfaces of articulating bones are covered with cartilage. When cartilage is subjected to high loads or its structure is disrupted due to inflammatory or degenerative pathological processes, it becomes thinner, and the bone begins to grow and form osteophyte outgrowths. In such a situation, osteophytes are actually an adaptive reaction on the part of the body, since due to them the area of bones in contact with each other increases and the load on them decreases. Osteochondral osteophytes usually form in the cavity of large joints, such as knees, hips, etc., since they are the ones that experience the heaviest loads.

Metaplastic Osteophytes develop when the normal cellular composition of bones is disrupted. That is, if any cells in the bone become larger than normal, they begin to actively multiply, forming pathological outgrowths-osteophytes. As a rule, metaplastic osteophytes are formed against the background of an inflammatory process or infection affecting the bones. Sometimes metaplastic osteophytes form after fractures or other traumatic bone injuries due to disruption of the regeneration process.

This classification is important for doctors, as it allows them to determine the structure of bone growths and predict their course. However, at the everyday level, another classification of osteophytes is much more often used, based on their division into types depending on the causative factor that provoked the formation of the outgrowth.

So, depending on the reason that caused their formation, all osteophytes are divided into the following types:

Traumatic osteophytes. They are formed as a result of various traumatic injuries to bones, for example, after fractures, cracks, etc. Most often, traumatic osteophytes are formed in the area of fusion of two bone fragments that have been displaced as a result of a fracture. The addition of an inflammatory process in the area of the fracture increases the risk of the formation of bone spurs. The shape, configuration and location of these osteophytes can be varied, but most often they are localized in the area of the knee and elbow joints. In more in rare cases traumatic osteophytes are formed without a bone fracture in the area of periosteum detachment, ligament separation or rupture of joint capsules;
Degenerative-dystrophic osteophytes. They are formed against the background of chronic, long-term inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the joints, such as, for example, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis, spondylosis, etc. The mechanism of formation of osteophytes of this type is as follows: under the influence of an inflammatory or degenerative pathological process, the cartilaginous surfaces covering the articulating bones, outgrowths begin to form. These growths provide an increase in the area of cartilage, which reduces the load on the joint. After some time, these cartilaginous outgrowths begin to ossify and beak-shaped osteophytes are formed. The appearance of such osteophytes is a sign of deforming arthrosis. The growths severely limit movement in the affected joint. Degenerative osteophytes usually form in large joints or on the vertebrae;
Inflammatory osteophytes. They are formed against the background of infectious and inflammatory lesions of the bones, for example, with osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. As a result of the formation of pus, the bone melts, defects form in it in the form of holes, dips, etc. Further, it is in the area These defects begin an active process of bone regeneration, which ends with the formation of osteophytes of various shapes and sizes. As a rule, there are multiple inflammatory osteophytes, randomly located on the surface of the affected bone, including in the joint cavity;
Tumor massive osteophytes. Formed when malignant tumors or bone metastases (for example, osteogenic sarcoma, Ewing tumor, prostate or breast cancer metastases, etc.). A tumor or metastasis damages the bone, and active regeneration begins in this area, which leads to the formation of large osteophytes in the form of spurs or a visor. Osteophytes in bone tumors form on the affected bone elements, and in metastases of prostate or breast cancer - mainly on the vertebrae or iliac crest;
Endocrine osteophytes. Formed against the background of systemic changes in the structure of bones and skeleton due to endocrine diseases. For example, with acromegaly, all the outer surfaces of the bones are covered with osteophytes, and with diabetes mellitus, outgrowths form in the area of the phalanges of the fingers, etc.;
Neurogenic osteophytes. Formed as a result of a violation of the nervous regulation of the processes of metabolism and bone growth against the background of neurological diseases, such as tabes dorsalis, etc.;
Osteophytes of increased physical activity. They can form on the surface of bones due to damage to the periosteum by sudden contractions of the muscles attached to it, or in joints due to tears or pinching of the articular capsule during movements. Due to constant damage to the surface of the bone, a repair process is activated in it, which does not slow down or stop in time due to frequent signals of new damage. As a result, osteophytes are formed. Typically, such osteophytes form in athletes or people engaged in heavy physical labor.

Different types of osteophytes are characterized by different courses and clinical symptoms, since this is largely determined by the causative factor that provokes their formation. For example, traumatic outgrowths can change their shape depending on the type of physical activity; inflammatory outgrowths can slowly dissolve as the pathological process subsides due to the restoration of the periosteum.

Reasons for the formation of osteophytes

Currently, the following reasons for the formation of osteophytes of various types are distinguished:

Bone injuries (fractures, cracks, severe bruises, detachment of the periosteum, etc.);
Degenerative-dystrophic pathological processes in bone tissue and joints (spondylosis, osteoarthritis);
Inflammatory processes in bone tissue (bone tuberculosis, brucellosis, osteomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, infection of the bone during an open fracture, etc.);
Bone tumors (osteogenic sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, osteochondroma);
Metastases to the bone (most often breast or prostate cancer metastasizes to the bone);
Endocrine disorders (for example, acromegaly, diabetes mellitus, etc.);
Neurological diseases in which the nutrition of the nerves going to the bones is disrupted (for example, tabes dorsalis);
Excessive stress on bones and joints (for example, prolonged stay in forced positions, overweight, flat feet, incorrect posture, heavy physical labor or active sports training, etc.);
Sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteophytes of different localization are variable, since compression occurs and affects different organs and tissues. Moreover, quite often osteophytes are asymptomatic, without causing any inconvenience to a person and without manifesting themselves. clinical signs, but are detected by chance during an examination for another reason. However, since osteophytes can still provoke clinical symptoms, we will consider the possible signs of these outgrowths of various localizations.

Osteophytes of the spine

As a rule, osteophytes of the spine are formed in diseases such as osteochondrosis or spondylosis. To understand what symptoms osteophytes of the spine can cause, you need to know its structure.

Thus, the spinal column is a chain of vertebrae connected to each other by cartilage. Each vertebra has a body, an arch and processes - two lateral and one spinal. The opening between the arch and the vertebral body has an ovoid shape. When the vertebrae are located one above the other in the spinal column, all the ovoid openings form, as it were, a long continuous canal through which the spinal cord passes.

Osteophytic outgrowths can form on various surfaces of the vertebral body - anterior, posterior, lateral or processes. According to the location of osteophytes on the vertebra, they are divided into anterior, posterior, lateral, anterolateral and posterolateral. However, this classification does not have of great importance to highlight the symptoms of osteophytes. From point of view clinical manifestations The localization of osteophytes in one or another part of the spinal column, for example, cervical, thoracic or lumbar, is more important.

Accordingly, the location of osteophytes on one or another surface of the vertebral body in various departments leads to various disorders, such as pain, compression of the spinal cord, reduced mobility, etc. Moreover, with different locations of osteophytes, the same symptoms will manifest themselves differently.

So, if osteophytes are located in the lumbar spine, a person will be bothered by reduced mobility and lower back pain. In addition, if osteophytes begin to compress the spinal cord or the nerve bundles extending from it, then pain or numbness in the leg or foot, urination problems, and twisting of the foot when walking may occur.

In general, regardless of the location of osteophytes in a particular part of the spinal column, they can manifest themselves with the following general symptoms:

Pain syndrome;
Ossification of the spinal ligaments;
Limitations of spinal mobility.

At first, osteophytes do not cause pain, but after a while, when the vertebrae become severely deformed, the canal through which the spinal cord passes narrows. As a result, compression of the spinal cord occurs, which provokes pain. The pain is localized in the spine in the area of damage, intensifying with movements, coughing, sneezing or any other strong muscle tension.

In addition, due to compression of areas of nerve fibers that extend to various organs and tissues, pain can spread to different parts of the body. So, when the lumbar spinal cord is compressed by osteophytes, the pain spreads to the leg, buttock and foot, resembling sciatica. When osteophytes are located in thoracic region the pain may also be localized in the arm, shoulder, shoulder blade and fingers. If osteophytes are located in cervical spine spine, the pain can be localized in both the arms and legs.

If osteophytes put too much pressure on the spinal cord, numbness and loss of motor sensation may occur in those parts of the body to which nerve fibers extend from the affected area of the brain.

When osteophytes are localized in the cervical region, vascular disorders may also occur due to compression of the vessels bringing blood to the structures of the brain. These vascular disorders can manifest as pressure surges, dizziness, tinnitus, visual disturbances, headaches, etc.

Ossification of the spinal ligaments occurs due to the fact that constant pressure on them by the osteophyte causes their death, followed by the penetration of calcium salts into them.

The limited mobility of the spine is caused, on the one hand, by ossification of the ligaments, and on the other, by a change in the shape of the vertebrae, as a result of which they no longer fit perfectly together and do not allow the entire spinal column to move in harmony.

Osteophytes of joints (knee, shoulder and hip)

Typically, osteophytes form in joints that experience the most stress, such as the hip, knee or shoulder. At the initial stages, osteophytes usually do not cause any clinical manifestations, and the symptoms of the disease that provoked the formation of outgrowths come to the fore. However, as osteophytes grow, they begin to compress and destroy joint tissue, causing pain, limited mobility and deformation of the organ.

Regardless of which joint the osteophytes are localized in, they will manifest the following symptoms:

Pain;
Deterioration of mobility of the affected joint;
Joint deformity.

The pain syndrome is caused by injury to the ligaments and cartilage of the joint by osteophytes. The intensity and duration of pain depend on the duration of existence and, accordingly, the size of osteophytes. So, the longer the growths exist and the larger the size, the stronger the pain in the joint. It was found that osteophytes less than 1–2 mm in size do not cause any discomfort to a person, but when they increase to more than 2 mm, pain occurs in the affected joint. Moreover, at first the pain appears in the evening, after the joint experiences stress during the day. Then the pain appears earlier and earlier.

Deterioration in joint mobility also develops only when osteophytes reach significant sizes. It should be remembered that deterioration in mobility is always combined with severe pain in the joint that appears during the day. Joint mobility deteriorates due to shortening and thickening of ligaments and muscles against the background of a chronic inflammatory process provoked by osteoarthritis and compression by osteophytes.

Joint deformity appears only at late stage when there are a lot of osteophytes and there is a distinct pain syndrome with limited movement. Joint deformation occurs due to the fact that osteophytes increase the area of the articulating bones, forming their bizarre outlines.

Osteophytes of the foot (heel spurs)

Typically, calcaneal osteophytes, also called calcaneal osteophytes, form on the foot. Haglund's disease or heel spurs. The growths form against the background of chronic inflammation or degenerative processes in the Achilles tendon, which is attached to the heel tubercle and supports the longitudinal arch of the foot (Figure 1).

Picture 1– Area of insertion of the Achilles tendon.

Most often, the tendon becomes inflamed or develops a degenerative inflammatory process due to heavy loads on the legs or injuries to the heel bone, which leads to a reflex formation of thick cartilage, which the body tries to grow to protect the injured tissue. This cartilage begins to ossify unevenly, as a result of which osteophytes form on the heel bone.

Osteophytes of this location always manifest as pain and impaired mobility of the foot. The pain usually occurs or worsens with physical activity on the heels, such as long periods of walking or standing. A characteristic feature osteophytes is the most severe pain, mainly in the morning, which is due to the shortening of the tendon overnight and its repeated stretching after waking up.

Foot movements are impaired only when there are a large number of osteophytes on the heel, when the pain is very severe. Due to pain, a person tries not to rest on the heel, but transfers the body weight to the front of the foot, as a result of which its functioning is disrupted.

Osteophytes of the arm (hand)

Osteophytes of the hand (hand) most often form on the fingers, forming protruding tubercles. At the initial stages, the growths are asymptomatic, but when the size of the osteophytes increases, they can provoke pain when bending or straightening the fingers, as well as impaired mobility.

Diagnostics

X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to diagnose osteophytes. Depending on the location of the osteophyte, one or more types of examination may be used to obtain an accurate and complete picture of the growth (shape, structure, location, condition of surrounding tissues, etc.).

Treatment

General principles of treatment

When asymptomatic, osteophytes do not require treatment, since in such a situation the risks from any therapeutic intervention will be higher than from simply observing the situation. If osteophytes begin to cause clinical symptoms, then the necessary treatment should be carried out.

Treatment of osteophytes of any location is the same, and can be conservative or surgical. Preference is always given to conservative treatment, which is aimed at eliminating the painful symptoms of the disease, as well as stopping the pathological process that contributed to the formation of outgrowths. Surgical treatment consists of removing osteophytes during surgery and is performed only when the pathological process has progressed and conservative therapy is completely ineffective. That is, the main treatment for osteophytes is conservative, and surgical operations to remove them are a last resort measure used in rare cases.

Let's take a closer look at the conservative and surgical treatment of osteophytes.

Conservative therapy of osteophytes

For the conservative treatment of bone outgrowths of any location, the following methods are used:

Drug treatment (taking medications);
Physiotherapy;
Massage and manual therapy;
Physiotherapy;
Use of orthopedic devices (for example, canes, wearing external prostheses, braces, bandages, etc.);
Normalization of body weight.

Drug therapy consists of using medications that eliminate pain and improve the general condition of the affected tissues. To relieve pain, ointments, gels, sprays and other products for external use from the NSAID group are used (for example, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Flexen, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, etc.). The drugs are applied to the skin in the area of pain 2 - 3 times a day for 10 - 14 days. Courses of therapy are repeated periodically as necessary.

To improve the general condition of the affected tissues, it is recommended to take courses of B vitamins (for example, Milgamma, Neuromultivit, Neurodiclovit), nicotinic acid and drugs containing calcium, magnesium and phosphorus (for example, Calcevita, Magnerot, etc.). For osteophytes of the joints, as a means of improving the general condition of the tissues, it is recommended to take chondroprotectors with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, for example, Rumalon, Chondroxide, Chondroprotect, etc.

The use of external agents of the NSAID group for drug treatment of osteophytes is mandatory, and drugs that improve the general condition of the affected tissues are desirable. In other words, for osteophytes, it is imperative to apply painkillers and anti-inflammatory ointments to the area where the growths are localized, and it is only advisable to take vitamins, microelements and chondroprotectors.

Some doctors may recommend injection of hormonal drugs (Hydrocortisone, Diprospan, etc.) for osteophytes of the calcaneus in order to relieve pain. However, practicing orthopedic traumatologists do not recommend doing this, since the introduction of hormonal drugs sharply increases the risk of Achilles tendon rupture.

Drug therapy for osteophytes is carried out in periodic courses over a long period of time, throughout life.

Physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy and physical therapy They perfectly complement and enhance the effectiveness of drug treatment of osteophytes, since they improve the mobility of the affected part of the body, normalize blood flow in the tissues and contribute to the subsidence of the pathological process, which generally has a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. These methods of therapy should also be used in courses throughout life, as long as the problem of osteophytes exists. Physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy and exercise therapy can be used either independently or in combination with drug treatment of osteophytes.

Thus, for osteophytes of various localizations, the following methods of physiotherapy are effective:

Acupuncture – used to eliminate muscle hypertonicity and reduce pain;
Electrophoresis with Novocaine - used to relieve pain for a long time;
Ultrasound therapy – used for the treatment of osteophytes of inflammatory-degenerative origin (for osteoarthritis, spondylosis, osteochondrosis, etc.), since ultrasonic waves reduce the severity of the main pathological process that provokes the formation of bone outgrowths, and improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
Diadynamic therapy – used for the treatment of osteophytes of various origins. By improving blood supply, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues is normalized. This has a beneficial effect on metabolism and, accordingly, improves the general condition of tissues;
Vibroacoustic impact – used to relieve pain;
Magnetic laser therapy – used to reduce the severity of inflammation, relieve swelling and relieve pain;
Shock wave therapy – used to soften osteophytes and create conditions for their independent resorption. The fact is that shock wave therapy relieves swelling, reduces the load on ligaments, relieves pain and crushes deposits of calcium salts into smaller pieces. Due to the crushing of calcium salts, which ensure the ossification of osteophytes, the outgrowths themselves soften and gradually begin to decrease in size. Many doctors consider shock wave therapy an excellent replacement for surgical treatment, since several courses of treatment can completely eliminate osteophytes without surgery.

Special orthopedic devices It is recommended to use only as an adjunct to drug treatment, physiotherapy, massage and physical therapy, since they often do not give the desired effect. These devices are necessary in order to reduce the load on the part of the body affected by osteophytes. Most often, such devices are used in the treatment of osteophytes of the foot, which can effectively unload the foot and help relieve pain, as well as reduce the rate of progression of the disease. The most effective devices in the treatment of osteophytes of the foot are night orthoses and taping. Orthoses are corsets that hold the leg in a position with minimal load, and tapes are adhesive tapes that also maintain the required position of the foot.

Removal of osteophytes (surgery)

Surgical removal of osteophytes is carried out only in cases where they sharply disrupt the normal functioning of an organ or tissue. For example, spinal osteophytes are removed only when there is a pronounced narrowing of the spinal canal with compression of the spinal cord. Osteophytes of the foot are removed only when very severe pain and the failure of all other treatments. Osteophytes in joints are removed only when the organ is completely damaged, when the joint is immobilized and does not perform its functions at all. In this case, prosthetics are performed, that is, instead of a completely “demolished” own joint, a prosthesis is installed that will serve the person for the rest of his life.

Treatment of spinal osteophytes

Treatment of spinal osteophytes is carried out according to the same principles and using the same methods as outgrowths of other localizations. There are no fundamental differences in the treatment of spinal osteophytes. The only thing that needs to be taken into account when treating growths on the vertebrae is the likelihood of compression of the spinal cord and nerves, which must be reduced as much as possible.

Heel spur: causes of appearance, effective and ineffective treatment methods (insoles, massage, medications, shock wave therapy), doctor's review - video

Folk remedies

Folk remedies can be used only as symptomatic in addition to the main conservative treatment of osteophytes. Currently, there is not a single folk remedy known that would dissolve osteophytes. Therefore, it is recommended to use any folk remedies solely for pain relief and improved mobility in combination with traditional therapy.

To relieve pain and reduce the severity of inflammation in osteophytes, you can use the following traditional methods:

Pine baths– pour boiling water over two pine branches and chopped Jerusalem artichoke root in a saucepan, add a teaspoon of turpentine and a tablespoon of honey. Cool to a temperature of 36 - 37 o C, then strain the infusion, pour into a bath or basin, and immerse the affected part of the body in it for 15 - 20 minutes. Baths can be done daily as needed.
Hawthorn decoction– pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into three tablespoons of hawthorn berries, leave for 30 minutes, strain and drink 40 ml before meals 2 – 3 times a day, for 2 – 3 weeks.

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Osteophytes of the spine are a kind of proliferation of bone tissue. Most people have back problems accompanied by pain syndromes. Perhaps pain in the back can be caused by the occurrence of osteophytes.

Ideally, the spine has a structure as smooth as an arrow, and if, when holding the palm from the cervical region to the lumbar region, any protrusions are felt, then these are most likely osteophytes (one of the stages of the onset of a serious disease - spondylosis).

Spinal osteophytes have different shapes: they can be in the form of hooks, spines, and so on.

The causes can be completely different. It is worth considering that treatment of osteophytes always takes a long time, so you need to worry about prevention in advance of this disease. Growths in the spine are a beacon that characterizes changes in the spine. As a rule, people over 56 years of age are susceptible to osteophytes. But spines also appear on the spine in young people. It is worth noting that the growths cannot grow together. But in exceptional cases, jumpers may occur.

How are they formed

All healthy vertebrae are located at a certain distance, but due to various processes, the space decreases. They are filled with various growths, such as protrusions, hernias, and so on. Any change in the intervertebral space is caused by displacement of the discs, which threatens the loss of the holding properties of the vertebra. Pathological processes can occur due to any minor influence of external factors that can cause inflammation and dislocations. As a result, the edges of the vertebra can be changed, taking the form of spikes (growth towards the outside) and hooks (growth towards the inside).

Types of growths:

Front. Rarely cause pain. Formed on the anterior parts of the vertebra;
Rear - cause strong sharp pain, as they mechanically compress the nerve endings. Formed on the posterior parts of the vertebral bodies;
Anterolateral bone growth – outwardly similar in shape to birds. They occur on the vertebrae that are most susceptible to pressure. Also found in this type are growths colliding with each other.
Posterolateral - usually formed in the cervical spine. They cause damage to the brain of the back.

Causes

Irregularities in the spinal region can be observed in almost all people of retirement age, starting from 60 years of age. The disease can appear as a result of negative changes in the condition of the spine, which begins to develop in adolescence. The main reason for the development is deformation of the periosteal tissue, which begins to manifest itself in friction between vertebral discs and joints in which the cartilage covering has been worn away.

The development of the disease may be influenced by factors such as:

Excess weight, which increases the load on the spine
Regular back loads;
Changes in posture;
Hereditary predisposition;
The presence of a flat foot resting on the entire sole of the foot, without a notch
Malfunctions of the endocrine system;
Past spinal injuries;
Inflammatory processes in hard tissues;
Complex development of dystrophic disorders in joint cartilage.

Symptoms

In each part of the spine, the symptoms of the disease may differ slightly. Therefore, we will consider each part of the spine separately.

Cervical region

It has a special structure and is also the most sensitive to any disturbances that occur in it. If there is a failure, disc displacement and compression of the nerve roots are observed. Displacement of the vertebrae also entails compression of blood vessels. This factor can cause difficulties in supplying the brain with blood.

The most detailed picture reflecting changes in the bone tissue of the vertebrae is provided by computed tomography and magnetic resonance.

The use of these methods allows you to see the condition of the back brain and the condition of the nerve roots, as well as determine the method of treatment: medication, physiotherapy, or whether surgery will be required.

Treatment

It is impossible to fight spinal osteophytes. You can only relieve pain by applying medications. They are aimed at reducing swelling and inflammation. Also use relaxation medications muscle tissue, as well as heating agents. After pain is relieved, physical therapy and massage begin. Thanks to physical activity muscle activity is normalized, blood is dispersed throughout the spine, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body.

In some forms of the disease, the doctor may prescribe hirudotherapy (this method involves the use of leeches).

In case of exacerbation of pain, bed rest is recommended, which means that all physical activity is excluded. In particularly complex stages, surgical intervention is required. But it does not cure spinal osteophytes completely, but simply removes excess growth. In this case, there will be a sharp relief of pain.

Prevention

To reduce the possibility of osteophytes, you must:

Exercise regularly, build muscle corset;
sit on proper nutrition, eat only healthy foods;
Constantly monitor your posture;
Avoid sleeping on high, hard pillows;
When working sedentarily, do back and neck exercises every hour.

Osteophytes are a high-risk disease caused by changes in the structure of the intervertebral space. Diagnosis is carried out by palpation if the disease is advanced. It is worth remembering that there are no symptoms in the thoracic spine, so diagnosis is sometimes necessary. It is impossible to cure this disease. But you can avoid the possibility of its occurrence by following preventive recommendations. And the most important thing to avoid is self-medication.

Joints are one of the most vulnerable musculoskeletal structures of the human body. Despite the presence of protective mechanisms, such as synovial fluid and powerful ligamentous apparatus, they are often damaged for various reasons. Proven etiological factors include:

age over 50 years;
permanent joint injuries;
work involving significant physical activity(especially static);
arthritis, in the absence of adequate treatment;
“instability” of the joint (habitual dislocations due to damage to the articular surfaces).

There are other predisposing reasons for the occurrence of pathologies of this structure. One of the important diagnostic signs of dystrophic-degenerative joint diseases is the presence of osteophytes. What it is? Small growths of bone tissue, which are usually located on the outer surface of the joint. However, it is important to note that according to the journal Vertebrology, osteophytes can normally form after age 50. Most often, these physiological bone growths are localized in the area of the intercondylar tubercles tibia (knee-joint).

One type of osteophytes is pathological in 100% of cases, according to research by Professor A.N. Konovalova. These are bone growths that are located at the edges between the articulating bones of the joint - marginal osteophytes. The process that marks the formation of these structures on the surface of the vertebral bodies is called spondylosis.

They have significant differences in their structure from ordinary bone tissue. Marginal osteophytes are uneven, asymmetrical formations with zigzag contours. Often, they contain subchondral cysts - small cavities with a dense membrane.

These bone growths can have different localizations. If marginal osteophytes of the vertebral bodies (intervertebral joints) appear, this is a reliable sign of the development of osteochondrosis. If such formations are detected in the joints of the extremities (especially the knee and elbow), we can conclude that the patient has osteoarthritis.

Professor of rheumatology Jonas Kellgren created a classification of osteoarthritis, according to the size of osteophytes and some other joint changes. Despite the fact that this approach is not used in Russia, it can be useful for dividing marginal osteophytes into groups:

small marginal osteophytes;
moderately expressed osteophytes;
large marginal osteophytes;
massive coarse osteophytes.

The last two characteristics indicate a significant development of degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis grade III or IV).

Currently, the question “What are marginal osteophytes?” there is no clear answer. Scientists put forward several versions:

According to the Russian Association of Vertebrologists, bone growths are formed due to displacement of the periosteum in the horizontal plane. As a result of this, a small focus of ossification develops, followed by the formation of an osteophyte;
German scientists K.G. Schmorl and G. Johans suggested that marginal osteophytes are the result of abnormal “subglottic” bone formation;
Among American scientists there is an opinion that osteophytes are formed due to periodic damage to the periosteum and its excessive regeneration.

Since the mechanism of formation of marginal osteophytes is not of fundamental importance in diagnosis, studying it is currently considered inappropriate.

Marginal osteophytes can provoke the occurrence of symptoms only when localized in the area of the intervertebral foramina of the vertebral bodies or foramina in the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae (with the exception of the VII cervical).

In the first case, compression occurs on the nerve roots that exit through the intervertebral foramina. Depending on the level of damage, this can lead to flaccid paralysis or paresis (partial loss of motor function), sensory impairment and paresthesia (abnormal sensations that occur spontaneously). A distinctive sign of root damage is intense pain, cutting in nature, which decreases but does not go away after taking medications.

When marginal osteophytes form in the openings of the transverse processes, “vertebral artery syndrome” may occur. It is important to note that with unilateral compression of this vessel, the clinical picture may be absent. With a symmetrical disturbance of blood flow, brain functions are disrupted. This is manifested by the following symptoms:

nausea and repeated vomiting that does not bring relief;
complete disorder of the vestibular apparatus (the patient cannot walk and coordinate movements);
decrease or loss of vision;
autonomic disorders (tachycardia or bradycardia, increased sweating, respiratory failure).

Complete blockage of the vertebral arteries can lead to the death of the patient.

Diagnostics

If the marginal osteophytes are superficial and the person has a normal physique, you can try to palpate these bone growths. X-rays (in 2 standard projections) and CT (especially spiral with 3D visualization) are widely used as instrumental diagnostics. MRI is advisable to use only if compression of a nerve root or vertebral artery is suspected.

Treatment

If the patient is diagnosed with osteochondrosis or osteoarthritis of stage I or II, conservative therapy is used. It is aimed at restoring the cartilaginous structures of the joint, restoring the periosteum and the structure of the intervertebral discs. Surgery is necessary when there is compression of the vertebral artery or nerve root.

Marginal osteophytes are pathological formations of bone tissue that often occur against the background of degenerative joint diseases. They manifest themselves clinically only when there is compression of neurovascular formations. In this case, treatment is carried out using surgical intervention aimed at their excision.