What is an enthesiophyte?

Definition: An enthesiophyte is a bony overgrowth or spur that forms at the site where a tendon, ligament, or muscle attaches to a bone.

Clinical significance: Enthesiophytes are considered a type of extra-articular osteophytosis (ossification) that mainly occurs as part of age-related degenerative changes or inflammatory processes. They are characterized by the ectopic formation of bone at sites of tendon or ligament attachment, especially at entheses (the sites where tendons or ligaments insert into bone). Enthesiophytes can project outwardly (osteophytes) or extend within the tendon or ligament substance.

Clinical findings: In symptomatic cases, enthesiophytes can cause pain, tenderness, stiffness, reduced joint mobility, and swelling. They are typically diagnosed based on medical history, clinical findings, and imaging studies (e.g. radiography, MRI) that reveal the characteristic bony growths.

Treatment: Treatment options for enthesiophytes often focus on managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. They may involve conservative measures such as rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and pain medication. In severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention may be considered to remove or reshape the enthesiophytes.