Intermediate
Technical
IVT
osteophyte
Pronunciation: OSS-tee-oh-fyte
Bony outgrowth or spur that develops along joint margins, commonly contributing to spinal stenosis.
Full Definition
An osteophyte is a bony projection that forms along the edges of bones, particularly in joints affected by degenerative changes. In spinal surgery contexts, osteophytes frequently develop along vertebral endplates, facet joints, and around neural foramina as part of the aging process or in response to mechanical stress. These bone spurs can compress neural structures, contributing to symptoms of spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, or myelopathy, and often require surgical removal during decompressive procedures.
In Context
- "Large osteophytes were noted compressing the neural foramina at L4-L5." — Imaging report
- "Removal of osteophytes improved foraminal dimensions significantly." — Operative note
Also known as
bone spur
bony outgrowth
Don't confuse with
osteoblast
osteoclast