OBJECT: The current cross-sectional observational MR imaging study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of lumbar disc degeneration in a healthy population and to establish the baseline data for a prospective longitudinal study. METHODS: Two hundred healthy volunteers participated in this study after providing informed consent. The status of lumbar disc degeneration was assessed by 3 independent observers, who used sagittal T2-weighted MR imaging. Demographic data collected included age, sex, body mass index, episode(s) of low-back pain, smoking status, hours of standing and sitting, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores. There were 68 men and 132 women whose mean age was 39.7 years (range 30-55 years). Eighty-two individuals (41%) were smokers, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores were averaged to 0.6/24. RESULTS: The prevalence of disc degeneration was 7.0% in L1-2, 12.0% in L2-3, 15.5% in L3-4, 49.5% in L4-5, and 53.0% in L5-S1. A herniated disc was observed at the corresponding levels in 0.5, 3.5, 6.5, 25.0, and 35.0% of cases respectively. Spondylolisthesis was observed in < 3% of this population. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age and hours sitting were significantly related to L4-5 disc herniation. Episode of low-back pain, smoking status, body mass index, and hours standing did not affect the prevalence of disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The current study established the baseline data of lumbar disc degeneration in a 30- to 55-year-old healthy population for a prospective longitudinal study. Hours spent sitting significantly increased the prevalence of disc herniation, but episode of low-back pain, smoking status, obesity, and standing hours were not significant risk factors.
OBJECT: The current cross-sectional observational MR imaging study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of lumbar disc degeneration in a healthy population and to establish the baseline data for a prospective longitudinal study. METHODS: Two hundred healthy volunteers participated in this study after providing informed consent. The status of lumbar disc degeneration was assessed by 3 independent observers, who used sagittal T2-weighted MR imaging. Demographic data collected included age, sex, body mass index, episode(s) of low-back pain, smoking status, hours of standing and sitting, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores. There were 68 men and 132 women whose mean age was 39.7 years (range 30-55 years). Eighty-two individuals (41%) were smokers, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores were averaged to 0.6/24. RESULTS: The prevalence of disc degeneration was 7.0% in L1-2, 12.0% in L2-3, 15.5% in L3-4, 49.5% in L4-5, and 53.0% in L5-S1. A herniated disc was observed at the corresponding levels in 0.5, 3.5, 6.5, 25.0, and 35.0% of cases respectively. Spondylolisthesis was observed in < 3% of this population. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age and hours sitting were significantly related to L4-5 disc herniation. Episode of low-back pain, smoking status, body mass index, and hours standing did not affect the prevalence of disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The current study established the baseline data of lumbar disc degeneration in a 30- to 55-year-old healthy population for a prospective longitudinal study. Hours spent sitting significantly increased the prevalence of disc herniation, but episode of low-back pain, smoking status, obesity, and standing hours were not significant risk factors.
Authors: Apostolos H Fyllos; Dimitrios L Arvanitis; Apostolos H Karantanas; Sokratis E Varitimidis; Michael Hantes; Aristeidis H Zibis Journal: Surg Radiol Anat Date: 2018-06-06 Impact factor: 1.246
Authors: W Brinjikji; P H Luetmer; B Comstock; B W Bresnahan; L E Chen; R A Deyo; S Halabi; J A Turner; A L Avins; K James; J T Wald; D F Kallmes; J G Jarvik Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2014-11-27 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Mohamed Jarraya; Ali Guermazi; Amanda L Lorbergs; Elana Brochin; Douglas P Kiel; Mary L Bouxsein; L Adrienne Cupples; Elizabeth J Samelson Journal: Spine J Date: 2018-04-19 Impact factor: 4.166
Authors: S A Nagy; I Juhasz; H Komaromy; K Pozsar; I Zsigmond; G Perlaki; G Orsi; A Schwarcz; N Walter; T Doczi; P Bogner Journal: Clin Neuroradiol Date: 2013-11-12 Impact factor: 3.649