The appearance of the adjacent bone will give clues as to which of these is the most likely cause.

Monostotic (Involving a single bone, or adjacent bones, like both the upper and lower jaw)

This bone is used to make a "bridge" between adjacent spinal bones (vertebrae).

Bone loss can occur in just one bone or spread to soft tissue and adjacent bones.

If invasion of the adjacent bone occurs, total removal is nearly impossible.

At the time of surgery, the tumor tends to peel away from the adjacent bones, although not the ossicles.

Hock appears small relative to the breadth and size of adjacent bones.

This means that the brace helps keep two or more adjacent bones properly lined up.

Joints are formed by the ligamentous connection between two adjacent bones.

Osteomyelitis, a bone infection, may leave the adjacent bone with a spur formation.