An osteophyte is an outgrowth of the underlying bone. In this case it is from the vertebral bone. The osteophytes do not disappear over time, and may become worse. They can also break off from the main part of the bone, and these are called fragments. Osteophytes are typically part of a degenerative process and more can occur over time. Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a boney ring formed by the vertebrae, through which the spinal cord and nerves travel. A CT myelogram may be helpful in investigating this problem. Good luck.