Which morphology of bone can result from osteoarthritis?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is characterized by the wearing down of cartilage and changes in the underlying bone. One notable morphological change that can occur in bones affected by osteoarthritis is eburnation. This phenomenon is characterized by a glassy, smooth appearance of the underlying bone due to the loss of cartilage and the exposure of bone surfaces, which undergoes compensatory changes.

Eburnation occurs as a response to stress and loading on the bone, where the exposed subchondral bone becomes polished and dense as it is subjected to friction and weight. This morphological change is often observed in the advanced stages of osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees, where the protective cartilage layer has been significantly deteriorated.

In contrast, the other options represent different pathological bone changes that are not typically associated with osteoarthritis. Bone spicules, for example, may be seen in conditions like osteosarcoma or Paget's disease but are not classic features of osteoarthritis. Geographic osteolysis is indicative of certain aggressive lesions, such as metastases or infections, which are also outside the realm of osteoarthritis. Endosteal scalloping can occur in conditions involving hyperparathyroidism or certain tumors but is not

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