Glossary term
Periosteal Reaction
New bone formation along the outer surface of existing bone, visible on X-ray, often a sign of irritation or stress.
Updated 2026-03-301 alias1 sourceUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
Periosteal reaction refers to new bone being laid down along the periosteum (the membrane covering the bone surface). It appears on X-ray as a thickening or layering along the bone cortex. In limb lengthening, periosteal reaction can indicate normal healing response, but excessive or unexpected periosteal reaction around an implant may signal irritation from corrosion, infection, or mechanical stress. It was notably documented in association with the STRYDE stainless-steel nail.
Aliases
periostitis
Updated 2026-03-30
Sources
- MRI nomenclature for musculoskeletal infection and periosteal reaction context (PMC)academic_journalAccessed 2026-05-25
Informational only. Not medical advice.