Sclerosis of the spine is a degenerative condition that can develop on the spine, marked by an increased bone density in the affected area. Sclerosis can affect any of the bones in the body, including the spinal vertebrae, and can lead to the formation of sclerotic lesions. These lesions are growths on the bone that can be indicative of a more serious underlying condition, such as primary or secondary tumors, infections, or inflammatory arthritis. Symptoms of spinal sclerosis can include back pain when sitting or bending over, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and loss of coordination or balance.

There is no known cure for spinal sclerosis, but there are treatments that can prevent the disease from progressing. Physical therapy exercises and prescription medications can help patients with muscle control issues and associated pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery may be necessary in some cases. When a person is diagnosed with sclerosis of the spine, it is important to be treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can lead to problems with fatty marrow and endplate infarctions.

Sclerotic lesions presenting as focal/multifocal lesions on MRI include bone infarct, chronic granulomatous or fungal infections, bone island, and more. Sclerotic lesions can be malignant or benign, and they are usually localized to a single bone or area of the body. A malignant lesion is often cancerous, posing a risk to health if it is not treated early. Surgery is a great option for removing sclerotic lesions, even if they are benign.