Show By: Robert Shepherd MS, Certified Medical Illustrator, Vice President and Director of Eastern Region Operations, MediVisuals Incorporated Individuals who develop new or suddenly worsening symptoms consistent with nerve root or spinal cord impingement following a traumatic event are sometimes diagnosed with “disc-osteophyte complexes”. 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). It is important to note (as shown in the illustrations) that the disc almost always extends further than the osteophytes into the neural foramen or spinal canal to irritate or impinge upon nerve roots or the spinal cord.  Occasionally, individuals who are evaluated shortly after a traumatic event are found to have disc-osteophyte complexes. Because a minimum of several weeks is required for osteophytes to form as a result of a traumatic event, defendant insurance companies may argue that the presence of osteophytes so soon after the traumatic event in question may prove that the plaintiff’s injuries preexisted the traumatic event. Since it is the disc pathology extending beyond the osteophytes that is the actual cause of the nerve root or spinal cord irritation and inflammation, the defense’s arguments are not valid. As shown in the illustrations below, the sequence of events that typically takes place in these cases is that the plaintiff had minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic disc osteophytes prior to the traumatic event in question. During the traumatic event, the disc sustains trauma that results in worsening of the disc pathology while the osteophyte portion of the osteophyte/disc complex remains essentially unchanged. This worsening of the disc pathology in turn results in new or increased irritation or impingement of the neural elements. Topics: intervertebral disc, medical-illustrator, trial exhibit, disc herniation, disc bulge, trauma, medical exhibits, medical-legal-illustration, disc injury, MediVisuals, medical exhibit, personal injury, spinal injury, osteophyte, cervical strain
You must have heard about various spinal diseases; but do you know what the Disc Osteophyte Complex is? It is a spinal ailment when bone spurs develop and affect the intervertebral disk or spinal vertebrae. Bone spurs, also referred to as osteophytes, grow in the musculoskeletal system. It is mainly caused due to regular wear and tear. You may suffer from Osteophyte Complex due to aging. Other reasons include deteriorating disc ailment like osteoarthritis, shock, trauma, injuries caused due to repetitive use, and overweight. However, it usually weakens your backbone. If you suffer from this condition, your body generates extra bony lumps. These lumps help strengthen the spine’s physical integrity or restrict its ability to move. Also, some people may have bone spurs in their bodies but never experience pain. However, when the bony structure inhibits nervous activity, you may experience many painful symptoms. Your backbone is walled by a protective spinal column formed of spines parted by discs. Hence, these discs have the following functions: You will suffer from Disc Osteophyte Complex when a sequence of bone limbs grows on multiple spines. It squashes your intervertebral discs and put pressure on the nerves or even the spinal canal. When the bony branches develop around your foramen, it narrows the channel leading to spinal stenosis. When we talk about the symptoms of this spinal condition, we get to see that you may not experience any signs at the early stages. When the branches grow and comes in contact with the vertebrae or compress the nerve roots, you may experience pain. Hence, it may restrict your motion. When you undergo nerve compression, you may experience: – confined pain – pain burning out to edges – shock – burning sensation – or pin-and-needle feeling It has been sporadic that this condition has led to the development of paralysis. Also, this disorder has different variations. For instance, bony growths may develop in the neck region and cause: – Headaches – Dull neck ache – Neck stiffness – Burning pain in arms and shoulders – Emotionlessness and tingling in arms – Weakened Arms
Also known as mid-spine bony growths. These are rare. Symptoms:
Affects the lumbar back. Symptoms:
Symptoms:
If you are suffering from a posterior disc osteophyte complex, your medical doctor will ask questions about your family history. They may ask if your parents or ancestors had osteoarthritis. Therefore, your medical history will help the physician examine the spinal regions for any inflammation or tenderness. It can be detected through palpation. And if your physician thinks you have disc osteophyte complex, they may suggest radiological tests like x-rays and MRI scans. Hence, it will allow your physician to examine the internal structures. They will also be able to verify the growth of bony limbs disturbing the nerves. What are the Disc Osteophyte Complex Treatments?After your doctor has successfully diagnosed the issue, they may recommend you a conventional non-surgical treatment. However, your first course of treatment may include one or a combination of:
However, if your signs and symptoms last for more than three months, your doctor may recommend surgery. Previously, the only solution for this problem was backbone surgery that conventionally comprised of hospitalization and long recovery periods. Some of the pioneering spinal surgical procedures to treat this condition include: – Foraminotomy – Laminotomy – Re-section of osteophytes ConclusionIf you are examined right after you encounter a traumatic event, and you may not have disc-osteophyte complexes. Hence, if you have, it is a pre-existing condition. Your bone edges and fused in severe cases damage the disc and spine. As the disc junction heals, bone growths may form. Osteophytes take at least a few weeks to develop after a traumatic event. When the growths compress nerves, you feel discomfort. If this is a former condition, your disc bulge may worsen after an accident. And your symptoms may worsen. If you have developed intervertebral and ligament injuries, you may experience instability and extreme motion of the joints. It may lead to a trauma of the bone or ligament junctions. This continuing suffering causes overgrowth of bones as your body repeatedly undergoes episodes of healing and reinjury. Hence, you must consult an expert at Premier Pain Centre for timely diagnosis and professional treatment. Premier Pain CentreAre you scared of surgery? Visit Premier Pain Centers to explore some safe and effective treatment alternatives. Our highly qualified professionals will closely examine your situation through x-rays or MRI and treat your symptoms. Contact us today for further information. We are experts at treating bone spurs and a master at managing pain. Our pioneering and safe treatments will relieve discomfort and help you enjoy life.
Catogries: Back Pain | Blog |
What does disc osteophyte complex mean?
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 themosti Inc.
