3D computed tomography (CT) scans of the lumbar spines of women that are 20 years old (left), 46 years old (centre) and 66 years old (right). The 66 year old patient has osteoarthritis of the spine. The joints between the vertebrae (back bones) have become compacted and bony growths (osteophytes) have also formed. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, resulting in joint swelling, pain and a decreased range of motion.