Which condition is defined by degenerative changes in the spine often presenting with osteophyte formation and narrowing of the joint spaces?

Which condition is defined by degenerative changes in the spine often presenting with osteophyte formation and narrowing of the joint spaces?

• A. Scoliosis
• B. Discitis
• C. Spinal spondylosis
• D. Ankylosing spondylitis

Answer: (C)

Spinal spondylosis is a degenerative process of the spine driven by wear over time, leading to osteophyte (bone spur) formation and narrowing of the joint spaces. The degeneration begins with loss of height and hydration of the intervertebral discs, followed by facet joint arthropathy and bone spur growth at the vertebral margins. These changes—the osteophytes and reduced disc and joint space—are classic signs of spondylosis and can contribute to stiffness and sometimes nerve-compression symptoms. This differs from scoliosis, which is a sideways spinal curvature; discitis, an infection of the disc; and ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory condition often starting in the sacroiliac joints with potential fusion.

Spinal spondylosis is a degenerative process of the spine driven by wear over time, leading to osteophyte (bone spur) formation and narrowing of the joint spaces. The degeneration begins with loss of height and hydration of the intervertebral discs, followed by facet joint arthropathy and bone spur growth at the vertebral margins. These changes—the osteophytes and reduced disc and joint space—are classic signs of spondylosis and can contribute to stiffness and sometimes nerve-compression symptoms. This differs from scoliosis, which is a sideways spinal curvature; discitis, an infection of the disc; and ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory condition often starting in the sacroiliac joints with potential fusion.