In osteoarthritis, what type of bone changes are commonly seen?

In osteoarthritis, the formation of osteophytes is a key feature of the disease process. Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, develop in response to the mechanical stress and degeneration of cartilage that occurs in osteoarthritis. As the cartilage wears down over time, the underlying bone can be affected, leading to changes in bone structure, including the growth of osteophytes at the joint margins. These bony projections can contribute to joint pain, stiffness, and functional impairment due to their potential to impinge on surrounding structures and alter joint mechanics.

In contrast to osteophyte formation, resorption of subchondral bone often occurs in other types of arthropathies but is not a hallmark of osteoarthritis. Joint effusion can be present in various conditions affecting the joints, but it is more a consequence of inflammation rather than a direct change associated with osteoarthritis. Hyperemia of surrounding tissue can also happen due to inflammatory responses, but it is not specific to osteoarthritis and does not reflect the characteristic changes seen in the disease. The presence of osteophytes is therefore a defining aspect of osteoarthritis, highlighting the body's adaptive response to joint degeneration.