Enthesophyte

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An enthesophyte, consisting of calcification deposits within the Achilles tendon at its calcaneal insertion. The Achilles tendon is wider than normal, further suggesting inflammation. Achilles insertional calcific tendinosis.jpg
An enthesophyte, consisting of calcification deposits within the Achilles tendon at its calcaneal insertion. The Achilles tendon is wider than normal, further suggesting inflammation.

Enthesophytes are abnormal bony projections at the attachment of a tendon or ligament. [1] They are not to be confused with osteophytes, which are abnormal bony projections in joint spaces. Enthesophytes and osteophytes are bone responses for stress. [1]

Tendon type of tissue that connects muscle to bone

A tendon or sinew is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that usually connects muscle to bone and is capable of withstanding tension.

A ligament is the fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones. It is also known as articular ligament, articular larua, fibrous ligament, or true ligament. Other ligaments in the body include the:

Osteophyte

Osteophytes are exostoses that form along joint margins. They should not be confused with enthesophytes, which are bony projections that form at the attachment of a tendon or ligament. Osteophytes are not always distinguished from exostoses in any definite way, although in many cases there are a number of differences. Osteophytes are typically intra-articular.

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Heberdens node human disease

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A syndesmophyte is a bony growth originating inside a ligament, commonly seen in the ligaments of the spine, specifically the ligaments in the intervertebral joints leading to fusion of vertebrae. Syndesmophytes are pathologically similar to osteophytes. Ankylosing spondylitis patients are particularly prone to developing syndesmophytes. They are also commonly seen in patients who have had back surgery or other chronic stresses on the ligaments of their spine. Syndesmophytes indicate spine degeneration, similar to osteophytes of spine, however they bridge across the joint as compared to osteophytes which are non-bridging.

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References

  1. 1 2 Rogers, J.; Shepstone, L.; Dieppe, P. (1997). "Bone formers: osteophyte and enthesophyte formation are positively associated". Extended Reports. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 56 (2): 85–90. doi:10.1136/ard.56.2.85. PMC   1752321 . PMID   9068279.