Abstract

Eburnation describes a degenerative process of bone commonly found in patients with osteoarthritis or non-union of fractures. It is an ivory-like reaction of bone occurring at the site of cartilage erosion. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints characterized largely by central loss of cartilage and compensatory peripheral bone formation (osteophytes). Over time, as the cartilage wears away, bare, subchondral bone is revealed. Eburnation describes the bony sclerosis which occurs at the areas of cartilage loss.