Which term describes bony projections along the edge of bones, often found in joints?

Which term describes bony projections along the edge of bones, often found in joints?

• A. Bone Spur
• B. Hammertoe
• C. Gout
• D. Transverse Fracture

Answer: (A)

Bony projections along the edge of bones, often found at joints, are called bone spurs (osteophytes). They form as the body’s response to cartilage loss and joint degeneration, especially in osteoarthritis, and may appear on X-rays as small protrusions at the joint margins. These spurs can irritate nearby tissues and contribute to pain or limited movement. In contrast, hammertoe is a toe deformity, gout is inflammatory arthritis from uric acid crystals, and a transverse fracture is a straight across break in a bone, none of which describe these edge-protruding bony growths.

Bony projections along the edge of bones, often found at joints, are called bone spurs (osteophytes). They form as the body’s response to cartilage loss and joint degeneration, especially in osteoarthritis, and may appear on X-rays as small protrusions at the joint margins. These spurs can irritate nearby tissues and contribute to pain or limited movement. In contrast, hammertoe is a toe deformity, gout is inflammatory arthritis from uric acid crystals, and a transverse fracture is a straight across break in a bone, none of which describe these edge-protruding bony growths.