Disc osteophyte complex (also known as disc osteophyte bar) is a term used on MRI of the cervical spine to denote the presence of disc protrusion and/or marginal endplate osteophytes resulting in narrowing of the cervical canal. What is a Disc Osteophyte Complex? By A. Mendelson, MD October 9, 2023 Please read the disclaimer Back pain can be a perplexing issue, often caused by underlying factors like the Disc Osteophyte Complex. This condition not only brings discomfort but also leaves a distinctive mark on imaging.
What is a Disc Osteophyte Complex YouTube
Disc osteophyte complex is a spinal ailment caused due to the formation of osteophytes in the spine affecting the intervertebral disc. Osteophytes (also called bone spurs) are the bony outgrowths that can develop as a result of your body's natural reaction to any damage or irritation caused to the bones or ligaments in the spine. The term Disc Osteophyte Complex is given to a pathological condition where multiple spinal vertebrae intervertebral discs get affected by formation of Bone Spurs or Osteophytes. Dysphagia In rare cases, individuals can experience progressive difficulty swallowing or breathing. Such symptoms as those described above are similar or the same as those that can be caused by a number of other neurological and/or spinal conditions. Disc osteophyte complex is the development of osteophytes (bone spurs) affecting more than one intervertebral disk or spinal vertebrae. Osteophytes or bone spurs develop in the musculoskeletal system due to normal wear and tear as you age.
Disc Osteophyte Complex Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Bonati
Bone spurs (osteophytes) often form where bones meet each other — in your joints. They can also form on the bones of your spine. The main cause of bone spurs is the joint damage associated with osteoarthritis. Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and can go undetected for years. They might not require treatment. Cervical Spondylosis represents the natural degenerative process of the cervical motion segment which can lead to cervical radiculopathy, cervical myelopathy, or axial neck pain. Diagnosis can be made with plain radiographs of the cervical spine. The term "disc-osteophyte complex" generally refers to abnormal extension of intervertebral disc material that accompanies immediately adjacent osteophyte formation at the vertebral body margin (see the below figure). Disc osteophyte complex should not be used in the lumbar spine. The pathophysiology is different, so stick to using the standard nomenclature of bulge, osteophyte, and disc herniation. DOC should not be used to the exclusion of the terms "osteophyte" and "disc herniation" (protrusion, extrusion) when they are obvious in the cervical spine.
Illustration of discosteophyte complex size measurement. Download Scientific Diagram
Disc osteophyte complex (DOC) refers to disc material that extends beyond the contour of the vertebral body but is covered partly or completely by vertebral body osteophytes. This is a common finding in older patients. The mass effect caused by a DOC cannot be relieved by surgical excision of disc material, and for that reason, it is useful to. Overview Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs). Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age.
Disc osteophyte complex is a term sometimes used by medical professionals when spinal disc problems and osteophytes, also called bone spurs, are both present in the spinal column, especially the upper region. These issues commonly develop as a result of the natural deterioration of the spine as we age. Symptoms and Causes What causes bone spurs? Joint damage from OA is the biggest cause of bone spurs. OA is a breakdown of cartilage — the firm, flexible tissue that cushions bones and allows joints to move more easily. OA develops as we age or after damage (like a sports injury).
Lumbar disc showing degenerated by osteophyte formation
A total 109 patients of the lumbar disc degeneration with age group between 17 to 80 y were diagnosed & studied on 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine. MRI findings like lumbar lordosis, Schmorl's nodes, decreased disc height, disc annular tear, disc herniation, disc bulge, disc protrusion and disc extrusion were observed. Cervical osteophytes are bone spurs that grow on any of the seven vertebrae in the cervical spine (neck), ranging from the base of the skull, C1 vertebra, to the base of the neck, C7 vertebra. Show Transcript The term "bone spurs" might elicit images of radiating spikes, but bone spurs (osteophytes) are actually rounded and scalloped.
