Osteophytosis is manifested by the presence of bony growths called osteophytes or “parrot’s beaks” which damage the cartilage. It occurs especially in cases of osteoarthritis (knee, hip, lumbar…).
Osteophytosis is a bone and joint disease characterized by the appearance on the patient of bone growths (osteophytes or parrot beaks) at the level hips, knees, fingers, lumbar, cervical… It is often observed in patients who haveosteoarthritisa rheumatological disease that touches 10 million French (8 out of 10 people have osteoarthritis after age 70). What are the causes osteophytosis? What are treatments ? Does it work?
Definition: what is osteophytosis?
Osteophytosis refers to the presence of one or more osteophytes (also called “parrot beaks“) which form at the level of the bone extremities, particularly in the case of osteoarthritis. “Osteophytosis occurs at advanced stages of osteoarthritis, and bone growths are sometimes implicated in joint pain or discomfort with certain movements” explains Professor Cédric Barrey, head of the spine and spinal cord surgery department at the Hospices Civiles de Lyon. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to discern the symptoms generated by the osteoarthritis itself, or the osteophytes.
Where are parrot beaks located?
Any joint in the body can be affected by an osteophyte. But generally, they are usually found at the level of the knees, hips, of the spinein particular at the level of the lumbar vertebrae (lumbar osteophytosis) and cervical (cervical osteophytosis), and on the fingers.
What is lumbar osteophytosis?
We speak of lumbar osteophytosis when the osteophytes or parrot’s beaks are at the level of the lumbar vertebrae.
What is cervical osteophytosis?
We speak of cervical osteophytosis when the osteophytes or parrot beaks are at the level of the cervical vertebrae.
What is marginal osteophytosis?
When they touch the external part of a joint, we then speak of a marginal osteophytosis. It occurs almost exclusively as part of the development of osteoarthritis. “In hip osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis of the hip joint, marginal osteophytosis is common and is located either opposite the outer parts of the acetabulum, the part of the pelvis where the femoral head is inserted, or at the base of the femur. the head of the femur, at the junction with the femoral neck”, details our interlocutor.
What are the symptoms of a parrot beak? Sore ?
Parrot’s beak is not painful on its own. It only corresponds to a reaction mechanism of the bone to relieve too much pressure on the joint. On the other hand, he evidence of joint disease (osteoarthritis for example) which is often accompanied by pains sometimes very significant and disabling, such as knee pain (or gonalgia) or lower back pain (or low back pain). “Depending on its size and location, the parrot’s beak can lead to functional discomfort, marked by joint stiffness”, adds the Professor. But there remains difficult to distinguish symptoms specifically related to osteoarthritis from those specifically related to osteophytosis. Furthermore, at the joints of the spine, the formation of parrot beaks can lead to a reduction in the space of the spinal canal containing the spinal cord and nerve roots. Osteophytes can sometimes compress nerve roots from the spinal cord and cause characteristic symptoms:
- Of the muscle weakness ;
- Of the paresthesias (abnormal sensations reminiscent of tingling);
- Of the neurological pain (sciatica or cruralgia in the lower limb and cervicobrachial neuralgia in the upper limb).
What causes osteophytosis?
► Osteophytosis is due to osteoarthritis. Its development is very often related to the weakness of the skeleton and joints. In older people, the risk of developing this disease increases significantly. The risk is also high in people with a genetic predisposition to rheumatic diseases.
► Being overweight is also to blame. “Degenerations progress through permanent joint stress with increased body mass”, reminds the specialist.
► A sedentary lifestyle and poor sleep hygiene can also contribute to bone changes.
► One mattress too soft or too thick can in particular cause this pathology.
► Osteophytosis occurs very often in athletes exposed to bone and joint injuries. People practicing sports such as tennis or running are more likely to have various osteoarticular degenerations.
What examinations to make the diagnosis of osteophytosis?
An X-ray of the joint(s) allows the diagnosis. An MRI, a scanner, a scintigraphy can be carried out in addition. Electronic diagnostics is also a diagnostic method. It is based on the use of graphic dictaphones and sensors to assess conductivity and nerve damage. In addition to electro-neurography, electromyography can be performed. The first examination assesses the state of the nerve, while the second assesses the activity of the muscle fibers.
What are the complications of osteophytosis?
Osteophytes located at the front of the cervical spine can progress to the pharynx and esophagus, which can cause symptoms of dysphagiaA epiglottis dysfunction and an Sleep Apnea. Osteophytes at the back of the cervical spine can put pressure on the spinal cord and cervical artery, which can disrupt blood flow to the neck and head. This situation may be accompanied by dizziness and loss of consciousness during sudden movements. “In case of spinal cord compression (we speak of myelopathy), the patient may present with tingling in the hands, a lack of strength in the arms or legs, difficulty walking and/or urinary problems”, complements the doctor.
When to consult?
From the first pain, you should consult your doctor. He will perform the necessary examinations to assess the patient’s condition. Palpation will reveal only large osteophytes. To detect those in the process of growth, other examinations will be necessary. He can also refer the patient to a rheumatologist, the doctor specializing in pain, diseases of the bones, joints, muscles and tendons.
What treatment to treat osteophytosis?
► The treatment of osteophytes is that of osteoarthritis. It consists of relieve pain with painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections.
► If the pain does not subside and the muscles suffer from cramps, muscle relaxants can be used. Vitamin and mineral complexes containing B vitamins can also be used.
► Natural treatments have a recognized effectiveness in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis and slowing down its development. So the glucosamine sulphate has a positive influence on the evolution of osteoarthritis and is effective in reducing pain. THE omega-3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation and pain.
► Patients can also use the physiotherapy, a group of treatments that includes High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) which can block pain and reach deep tissues and Shockwave Therapy (UHT), based on the use of acoustic waves or waves low frequency shock. This proven method is effective in most patients. 90% of respondents said they felt better after UHT treatment.
Do osteophytes operate?
When osteophytes interfere with mobility or cause nerve compression or pain is not adequately relieved with medical treatment, they can be surgically removed. “The surgical procedure consists of complete removal of bony growths and sometimes to replace the arthritic joint with a prosthesis (hip prosthesis or knee prosthesis for example) and even sometimes to block the worn joint (lumbar arthrodesis or cervical arthrodesis for example, very frequent operations on the back) “, concludes Professor Barrey. However, there is a significant risk of recurrence of the osteophytes, which can gradually reform after the operation.
Thanks to Pr Cédric Barrey, head of the spine and spinal cord surgery department, at the Hospices Civils de Lyon.