Aging process of the acetabulum with special reference to the osteophyte formation
Azuma, H.; Kako, K.; Itoigawa, Y.
Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi 54(2): 153-160
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5325 PMID: 7391621 Document Number: 158519
Osteophyte formation at the acetabulum was investigated in connection with aging and osteoarthritis. The materials consisted of 39 human specimens of the acetabula obtained from fresh cadavers 14-89 yr old. Of the specimens, 2 were in the 2nd decade, 2 in the 3rd and the others were over 40 yr old. Osteophyte appeared at 3 parts of the acetabula: the peripheral part, the foveal area and the lower portion at the ligamentous attachment. Two types of peripheral osteophytes were distinguished from their growth direction, and in some secretions both types were observed together. Foveal osteophytes were recognized at the rim of the semilunar cartilage in the advanced age group and a double acetabular floor was formed by the osteophytic projection and the existing foveal trabeculae. In some cases there were small osteophytes formed in the ligamentous tissue at the lower ends of the acetabula. As distribution and growth of the osteophytes in the aging process were in accord with those in osteoarthritis, osteophyte formation in aging might be one of the initial changes of osteoarthritis development.