osteophyte/bone spur
- What is it?
- A bony projection that develops along the outside of the bone, usually at the joints where two bones meet.
- Often referred to as bone spurs
- What is the cause?
- Joint damage from osteoarthritis is the most likely cause of bone spur formation
- Trauma to the bone, the body will repair the damage and lays down new bone in an abnormal pattern
- Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain and decreased range of motion at the joint
- Pain and swelling due to rubbing or impingement of the rotator cuff muscles
- Pain referral pattern:
- Pain will be localized to the area of bone spurs
- Referral pain could be felt down the arm with nerve involvement
- Diagnostic tool to rule in/out:
- Palpation
- X-Ray
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Presentation of the disease:
- Osteophytes often have no symptoms and are likely found when X-Rays or other imaging is done for a different symptom the patient is experiencing. The abnormal bone structure can lead to impingement of other structures within the shoulder. Continued rubbing from the osteophyte may lead to inflammation or tearing of the rotator cuff.