An osteophyte, also called a “parrot’s beak” or bone spur, is a bone growth that develops around a joint or on a bone with damaged cartilage. Knee, hip, shoulder, finger, vertebra, foot… Osteophytes can affect all bones and testify to attempts at repairing the organism. Osteophytes are common in people with osteoarthritis. When they do not cause pain, osteophytes do not require specific treatment.

Definition of an osteophyte

An osteophyte, also called a “parrot’s beak” or bone spur, is a bone growth that develops around a joint or on a bone with damaged cartilage. Knee, hip, shoulder, finger, vertebra, foot… Osteophytes can affect all bones and testify to attempts at repairing the organism. Painless in themselves, on the other hand, they contribute to the stiffness of the joints when they develop around them.

Types of osteophytes

We can distinguish :

• Joint osteophytes, which form around a joint with damaged cartilage;
• Extra-articular osteophytes, which form directly on a bone and increase its volume.

Causes of an osteophyte

The main cause of osteophytes is osteoarthritis (alteration of the cartilage due to a disruption of the activity of cartilage cells, chondrocytes). Ossification takes place around the membrane that surrounds the joint in response to the excessive pressures responsible for osteoarthritis.

But other causes can be cited:

• Micro bone trauma related to shocks;
• Osteitis or inflammation of bone tissue (extra-articular osteophytes).

Certain congenital forms of osteophytes also exist, but their cause remains undetermined.

Diagnosis of an osteophyte

An x-ray can be used to diagnose the osteophyte.

Other examinations are sometimes performed in order to rule out underlying pathologies:

• A blood test ;
• A scanner;
• A puncture of synovial fluid.

People affected by an osteophyte

Osteophytes are common in people with osteoarthritis.

Factors favoring an osteophyte

Certain factors are likely to favor the occurrence of osteophytes:

• Significant stress on the bones during repeated movements or efforts (sports or professions);
• Age;
• A genetic predisposition;
• Arthritis;
• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Overweight;
• Certain bone diseases …

Bone deformities

Osteophytes cause visible bone deformities in the skin.

pain

Often painless in themselves, osteophytes can nevertheless be responsible for pain due to friction or compression of what surrounds them such as muscles, tendons, nerves and skin.

Stiff joints

Osteophytes cause stiffness in the joints, especially during inactivity. These stiffnesses often subside with movement.

Épanchement synovial

The joints can sometimes swell around the osteophytes due to joint effusion due to excessive production of intra-articular fluid (synovial fluid).

When they do not cause pain, osteophytes do not require specific treatment.

In the event of pain, the treatment is based on:

• Taking analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Taking corticosteroids in infiltration;
• Physiotherapy, in order to maintain joint mobility;
• The prescription of thermal cures;
• The use of splints, a cane, orthotics (prostheses) to relieve the joints.

Surgery may be necessary if:

• The pains are intense;
• The joint hangs;
• The cartilage is too damaged – the dissemination of pieces of cartilage can cause collateral damage.

The occurrence of osteophytes can sometimes be slowed down by:

• Keeping the line;
• Regularly engaging in adapted physical activity.