M25.7: Osteophyte

Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, are abnormal bony growths that often develop at the edges of bones, particularly at the joints where two or more bones meet. These growths form as a response to the damage resulting from osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis - a disease that causes cartilage breakdown in the joints. Osteophytes may also be a result of injury or continual mechanical stress. They typically occur in the spine, hands, knees, shoulders, and hips. Symptoms can range from none at all to severe, depending on their size, number, and location. When symptomatic, they may include localized pain, stiffness, and a loss of range of motion in the affected joint. Osteophytes can also create nerve pressure or pinching, leading to additional symptoms like weakness or numbness if they occur in the spinal column. Although these bone protrusions can cause considerable discomfort, they are essentially a repair attempt by the body.