Musculoskeletal ImagingSpondylosis deformans
a type of
degenerative disease of the
spine whose most obvious pathologic and
radiographic finding is the presence of
osteophytes, especially along the anterior and lateral aspects of the vertebral column (
Fig.1). Any segment of the vertebral column may be affected. In the
thoracic region the osteophytes predominate on the right side, probably because the pulsations of the descending
aorta on the left side inhibit bone production.
Spondylosis deformans is believed to be initiated by abnormalities in the peripheral fibres of the anulus fibrosus. Anterior and anterolateral discal displacement may then occur and may lead to traction at the site of bone attachment of the outermost fibres of the anulus fibrosus or short perivertebral ligaments to the vertebral surfaces. At this location osteophytes develop several mm from the discovertebral junction. Spinal osteophytes accompanying spondylosis deformans can be distinguished from the bony outgrowths of the vertebral column occurring in other pathologic conditions, such as intervertebral osteo chondrosis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis DISH , ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiters syndrome, neuropathic osteoarthropathy, ochronosis, fluorosis, hypoparathyroidism and sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis.
DR
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AP radiograph of the lumbar spine demonstrates osteophytes, mainly on the left side.
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Spondylosis deformans, Fig.1 | |