What is it about?

Enthesis is the site where muscle, tendon or ligament attach to a bone. Enthesophytes are bone spurs, prominent bony growths which extends from the bone into the attachment. in a previous study, we reported that large bone growths at the attachment of the trapezius muscle to the occipital bone are common in young adults. Here we assessed the prevalence of these large bone growths in a larger population of a wider age group (n=1200, 18-86-year-old). Paradoxically, we have discovered that bone growth at the back of the skull is more common in young adults than in older age groups.

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Why is it important?

Our findings present a conundrum as degenerative processes are typically more common in the elder than the younger populations.

Perspectives

Considering our findings and the scientific literature, we suggest that factors contributing to the formation of these large bone growths in the tested young adult population may be a function of novel postural demands.

DC PhD David Shahar
University of the Sunshine Coast

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This page is a summary of: Prominent exostosis projecting from the occipital squama more substantial and prevalent in young adult than older age groups, Scientific Reports, February 2018, Nature,
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21625-1.
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