Bone Spur Surgery

Osteophytes, also referred to as bone spurs, are bony projections that form on a normal bone. They are normally formed as result of inflammation or friction of bones against each other, and hence are most often seen at the joints and tendons. Formation of bone spurs is not a serious issue as such, as these bony outgrowths are harmless in most of the cases. In some cases however, medical intervention becomes necessary owing to the great deal of discomfort caused by them. Surgical removal of bone spurs is considered to be the most successful method of bone spur treatment. Before we move on to the details of this surgical procedure, let's have a quick look at the underlying causes and common symptoms of bone spur formation.

Bone Spur Causes and Symptoms

As we mentioned earlier, a bone spur forms as a result of inflammation or friction caused by bones rubbing against each other. This can happen due to several reasons, including natural aging process and extra pressure on the said area. Even certain disorders, like osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis, are known to result in formation of bone spurs.

Symptoms of bone spurs will depend on which part of the body affected. Difficult in bending your knees, hard lumps under the skin, numbness in the spine, difficulty in shoulder movement, and difficulty in swallowing are some of the most common symptoms of bone spur. While bone spurs go on their own in most of the cases, at times you may have to undergo medical treatment, or even a surgery, to get rid of them.

Bone Spur Treatment

As long as these bony outgrowths don't cause discomfort, by restricting movement of the affected limb or causing severe pain in the surrounding area, you don't have to worry about them. But if they do, it's better to opt for treatment before the condition worsens further as a result of continuous friction caused by these outgrowths. Normally, bone spur treatment stresses on the treatment of underlying condition which has resulted in formation of the bone spur. These treatment measures include various exercises, stretching of the affected area, avoiding footwear which puts pressure on heels, weight loss, etc. If pain becomes intolerable, or when they start causing discomfort by becoming a hindrance in your daily activities, opting for a surgery becomes the best way out.

Bone Spur Surgery
This surgery is generally aimed at repair or replacement of the joint which has suffered significant damage due to the growth of extra bone. Bone spur surgery can be executed as an open surgical process or as an arthroscopy. In case of open surgery, the skin around the joint is cut open to gain access to bony outgrowth which has to be removed. In case of arthroscopy, small incisions are made to insert surgical tools which are used for the removal of bone spur. The doctor will be in a better position to tell which surgical procedure is ideal after performing the diagnosis.

Heel bone spur surgery may involve making an incision either on the side or the bottom of the heel, identifying the spur, and removing it. Similarly, laminectomy will be recommended to deal with the pain and neurological symptoms caused by bone spurs in the shoulder. At times, the doctor may also recommend surgical corrections, wherein a small incision will be made in the affected region and the bone will be polished using a rasp or power burr. Most of the people who undergo bone spur surgery are satisfied with the results of the same.

Chances of infection, or recurring of the bone spur cannot be ruled out, but they are almost negligible. The person should also make it a point to take ample rest after the surgery. Although bone spur surgery recovery time ranges between ten days to a few weeks, some individuals may take even longer to recover. In some cases, the patient will be advised to wear post-operative shoes for a brief period after the surgery so as to rule out the chances of further complications.