A syndesmophyte is a bony growth originating inside a

ligament 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: * Peritoneal li ...

, commonly seen in the ligaments of the

spine Spine or spinal may refer to: Science Biology * Vertebral column, also known as the backbone * Dendritic spine, a small membranous protrusion from a neuron's dendrite * Thorns, spines, and prickles, needle-like structures in plants * Spine (zoolog ...

, 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.

References

{{musculoskeletal-disease-stub Skeletal disorders