05/09/2025
Spinal exostosis refers to a bony outgrowth (also called an osteophyte or bone spur) that develops on the vertebrae of the spine. It is not a disease on its own, but rather a result of other spinal conditions, especially degenerative changes.
Key Points:
Definition: Exostosis is an abnormal bony growth on the surface of a bone. In the spine, these are often called osteophytes.
Causes:
Age-related degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis of the spine.
Chronic mechanical stress on vertebrae.
Previous spinal injury or inflammation.
Rarely, genetic conditions like hereditary multiple exostoses (though this more commonly affects long bones).
Location: Exostoses can form on the edges of vertebrae, intervertebral joints, or near ligament attachments.
Symptoms:
Many spinal exostoses are asymptomatic and found on X-rays. When large or in sensitive locations, they may cause:
Neck or back pain (depending on location).
Radiculopathy (nerve root compression → numbness, tingling, weakness in arms or legs).
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal → difficulty walking, leg pain, or bladder/bowel symptoms in severe cases).
Diagnosis:
X-ray (to visualize bone spurs).
MRI or CT scan (to assess nerve or spinal cord compression).
Treatment:
Conservative: Pain relief (NSAIDs), physical therapy, posture correction.
Interventional: Steroid injections for nerve inflammation.
Surgical: Laminectomy or foraminotomy to remove the exostosis if severe neurological symptoms occur.
👉 In summary: Spinal exostosis is a bony overgrowth on the spine, usually caused by degenerative changes, and can be harmless or cause nerve compression depending on its size and location.
Dr —— Samiullah Salim
Neurosurgery Resident
