Pattern of thoracic osteophytes development and the association between calcification of the aorta and thoracic osteophytes: CT study.

Osteophytes in the thoracic spine are prevalent in older adults, with number and size increasing with age in both sexes. Osteophytes are significantly less prominent on the left side than the right, probably because of the proximity of the aorta. TTOS and TAC occurred in the same individuals after adjustment for age and sex, suggesting a possible common etiology.