Images Dated 12th August 1996

Artwork of osteoarthritis of the spine

Osteoarthritis. Artwork of the lower (lumbar) spine showing the degenerative effects of osteoarthritis. The cartilage that lines the joints between each vertebrae (coloured purple) is considerably reduced. Also, bony outgrowths are seen forming on the edges of the lower 3 vertebrae, these are known as osteophytes. Osteo- arthritis is a joint disease aggravated by mechanical stress. It is usually associated with old-age but may occur in the young as a result of injury or congenital deformity. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling of the affected joints. There is no cure but symptoms can be relieved using drugs against pain & inflammation

© JOHN BAVOSI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY