Abstract
Spondylosis deformans is a type of spinal claw osteophytosis which can be found on the anterolateral vertebral bodies of any region, and which consists of protrusions of intervertebral disc tissue covered by a bony shell. We report here a case of thoracic spondylosis deformans and multilevel instrumented fusion found during routine dissection of a cadaver. Theories of the etiology of this condition are reviewed in general, and with respect to this specific case and the potential interaction of the presenting comorbidities. The clinical implications of these osteophytes, including musculoskeletal and visceral sequelae, are also discussed.
Highlights
Spondylosis deformans (SD) is a type of spinal osteophytosis of uncertain etiology which contains elements of both an osteophyte and an intervertebral disk (IVD) herniation
Our subject represents an unusual case of thoracic SD coupled with multilevel instrumented spinal fusion
Spondylosis deformans is itself a type of nonsurgical spinal fusion, and one study using a canine model showed that the organic fusion of SD can itself cause a type of adjacent segment disease (ASD) [20]
Summary
Spondylosis deformans (SD) is a type of spinal osteophytosis of uncertain etiology which contains elements of both an osteophyte and an intervertebral disk (IVD) herniation. These nodules arise from Sharpey’s fibers at the rim of the anterolateral vertebral endplates and grow towards the adjacent vertebral body [1]. This bony migration forms a bridge between vertebral bodies that covers an IVD tissue bulge and can thereby result in the fusion of the involved segments [2,3,4]. Regardless of the terminology used, awareness of the diverse patient presentations that can be seen with this type of spinal osteophytosis is essential for clinicians treating patients with either musculoskeletal or visceral complaints
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