osteophyte

Last reviewed 01/2018

An osteophyte is a bony excrescence at the joint margin, seen in osteoarthritis. It is speculated that their formation might be induced by wear particles swept to the edge of the joint by joint movement.

The four radiological features of osteoarthritis are:

  • narrowing of the joint space
  • bone cysts
  • sclerosis
  • osteophytes