Enthesitis is inflammation of attachments of ligaments, tendons, and capsules; what is a common consequence?

Enthesitis is inflammation of attachments of ligaments, tendons, and capsules; what is a common consequence?

• A. Reactive bone formation
• B. Increased cartilage wear
• C. Decreased bone density
• D. Fluid accumulation

Answer: (A)

Inflammation at the enthesis—the site where ligaments or tendons attach to bone—often drives a repair response that results in new bone being laid down at the insertion. This reactive bone formation shows up as bone spurs or enthesophytes at the attachment site. The other possibilities don’t fit this pattern: cartilage wear is more typical of joint surface degeneration, decreased bone density is a systemic issue, and fluid buildup is associated with joint effusion rather than the tendon/ligament insertion.

Inflammation at the enthesis—the site where ligaments or tendons attach to bone—often drives a repair response that results in new bone being laid down at the insertion. This reactive bone formation shows up as bone spurs or enthesophytes at the attachment site. The other possibilities don’t fit this pattern: cartilage wear is more typical of joint surface degeneration, decreased bone density is a systemic issue, and fluid buildup is associated with joint effusion rather than the tendon/ligament insertion.