Which statement best describes bony changes seen with OA/DDD/spondylosis?

Which statement best describes bony changes seen with OA/DDD/spondylosis?

• A. Osteophytes develop from the margins of the vertebral bodies and are rarely associated with disc height loss.
• B. Osteophytes develop from the margins of the vertebral bodies and occur only on the posterior elements.
• C. Osteophytes develop from the margins of the vertebral bodies and are usually unrelated to disc height.
• D. Osteophytes develop from the margins of the vertebral bodies and are often associated with loss of disc height.

Answer: (D)

In spinal degenerative change, osteophytes form at the margins of the vertebral bodies as the disc loses height and the motion segment becomes unstable. These bone spurs are the body's way of trying to stabilize the segment and distribute forces more evenly. Because disc space narrowing accompanies OA/DDD/spondylosis, osteophyte formation is typically seen together with loss of disc height. They are not restricted to the back part of the spine and are usually related to disc height changes, not independent of them. Thus the best description is that osteophytes develop from the vertebral margins and are often associated with loss of disc height.

In spinal degenerative change, osteophytes form at the margins of the vertebral bodies as the disc loses height and the motion segment becomes unstable. These bone spurs are the body's way of trying to stabilize the segment and distribute forces more evenly. Because disc space narrowing accompanies OA/DDD/spondylosis, osteophyte formation is typically seen together with loss of disc height. They are not restricted to the back part of the spine and are usually related to disc height changes, not independent of them. Thus the best description is that osteophytes develop from the vertebral margins and are often associated with loss of disc height.