Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright Wednesday October 14, 1987
Question: What are osteophytes? I am a long sufferer of back pain and I read quite a bit about this common illness which seems to be stalking modem man. I have come across a term which I cannot get clearly defined from my dictionaries, even the ones from the medical libraries.
This term is ‘osteophyte’. I think it has something to do with new bone growth around an injured disc, but I would like to have this point clarified. Your assistance is much appreciated.
Answer: You are correct when you describe an osteophyte as new bone growth around an injured disc. This new bone growth may appear anywhere where there is bone damage or disease, but you are most likely discussing osteophytes which grow in the spinal column.
As most people who read my column now must have learned, the spinal bones (vertebrae) are supported and “cushioned’’ by the spinal discs. These discs are a great source of misery to many people who abuse their backs, and even some who don’t. If these discs become worn out or thinned, they can no longer do the proper job of supporting the spinal vertebrae. This is known as disc disease, or “degenerative disc disease.’’
If this disc disease process is left unattended (no proper treatment, exercises, etc.) then actual physical changes in the shape and size of the spinal bones will begin to occur. The discs are comprised of an outer, harder layer, and an inner, jelly-like material. This inner gelatinous material is known as the nucleus pulposus.
When the disc has been showing signs of degeneration (drying out, cracking, getting thin, bulging abnormally), some of this nuclear material may begin to “seep’’ outwards from the middle of the disc. It will find its way through the small tears and cracks in the outer, harder layer of the disc, and eventually this outer disc layer will begin to bulge.
When this bulging occurs it causes some of the bone fibres which attach to the outer part of the disc to be stripped away from the bone. Because of this stripping away of bone fibres, new bone must be formed to prevent collapse of the vertebra.
When this new bone is formed it doesn’t conform to the contours of the vertebra as we knew it, but rather it forms new bone, usually to an excessive degree in the area of the bone stress.
This new bone formation is known as an osteophyte. It usually looks like a small hook protruding away from the vertebra. This osteophyte acts as its own barrier to prevent further loss of the nuclear material outside the disc. If this growth progresses it can eventually limit the patient’s mobility, as two or more osteophytes may join together or be close enough to prevent effective motion.
There you have it professor … more about an osteophyte than you ever cared to know.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: In last week’s column, one simple line was omitted, causing a very big mistake. Although it noted that “a chiropractor is best when a joint must be fused”, that is incorrect. The paragraph should have read: “A chiropractor is the best when joint manipulation is required. The surgeon is best when a joint must be fused.” The Liberal regrets the error.)
Allan Horowitz, D.C is a chiropractor and writes this public service column. He will attempt to answer readers’questions on a variety oftopics, including back pain, headaches,nutrition, sports injuries and preventive medicine.
Address your questions to Allan Horowitz, care of The Liberal, Box390, Richmond Hill, L4C 4Y6.