Frank S. answered • 03/24/19
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M.D., D.C.: Gray's Anatomy Prosector and Oxford Surgical Illustrator
An osteophyte is a bony projection (bony lump) that is a consequence of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).
Osteophytes are usually the result of decreased joint space and are typically benign unless they occur in an area where a nerve or other structures pass. An example is if an osteophyte occurs in the intervertebral foramen. In this example, a bony spine (osteophyte) can encroach into the nerve's territory and cause a radiculopathy (nerve root compression).
