Musculoskeletal Imaging

Eburnation

a pathologic process of subchondral bone in which degenerative changes in the articular cartilage ultimately lead to increased density of closely applied bone surfaces. The weakened, hyperaemic subchondral bone is vulnerable to further deformity, and abnormal stresses on the bone lead to trabecular fracture, flattening and collapse. On radiographs sclerosis and joint space diminution are closely related.

Eburnation also occurs in numerous diseases and conditions, including osteosclerosis, osteitis condensans ilii or osteitis pubis, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease and rheumatoid diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Reiters syndrome.

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