Osteophytes for Neophytes‐Geriatric MSK Anatomy for Health Care Students

The anatomy presented in most anatomy courses and anatomical atlases is prime of life anatomy—generally that of the child‐bearing years, usually featuring the most common variation. Anatomy outside this age range can vary considerably, but is still “normal anatomy.” Neonates and children are not miniature adults. Likewise, anatomical changes occur with aging of the musculoskeletal system and should be anticipated in examining (physically or radiographically) older patients. Although common (“normal”) at this age, these age‐related findings are not necessarily subclinical. They may produce complaints and require further examination to determine an appropriate level of clinical intervention. Anatomical changes may require alteration of lifestyle, and often increase vulnerability to injury or dysfunction. Examples are altered body stature, form and proportion, decreased bone and muscle mass, osteophyte formation, cartilage dehydration and degeneration, and diminished range of movement at joints. In view of changing demographics, students should gain awareness of typical anatomy during advanced age. These changes are apparent in the aged body donors utilized for dissection, often causing discrepancies between what the atlas shows and the cadaver reveals, making anatomy lab a prime site for gaining awareness of gerontological anatomy. Unfortunately, decreased lab hours in the curriculum often exclude exploration and consideration beyond defined core information.