scholarly journals Lumbar spine Schmorl's nodes; prevalence in adults with back pain, and their relation to vertebral endplate degeneration

Author(s):  
Israa Mohammed Sadiq

Abstract Background In 1927, Schmorl described a focal herniation of disc material into the adjacent vertebral body through a defect in the endplate, named as Schmorl’s node (SN). The aim of the study is to reveal the prevalence and distribution of Schmorl’s nodes (SNs) in the lumbar spine and their relation to disc degeneration disease in Kirkuk city population. Results A cross-sectional analytic study was done for 324 adults (206 females and 118 males) with lower back pain evaluated as physician requests by lumbosacral MRI at the Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk city, Iraq. The demographic criteria of the study sample were 20–71 years old, 56–120 kg weight, and 150–181 cm height. SNs were seen in 72 patients (22%). Males were affected significantly more than the females (28.8% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.03). SNs were most significantly affecting older age groups. L1–L2 was the most affected disc level (23.6%) and the least was L5–S1 (8.3%). There was neither a significant relationship between SN and different disc degeneration scores (P = 0.76) nor with disc herniation (P = 0.62, OR = 1.4), but there was a significant relation (P = 0.00001, OR = 7.9) with MC. Conclusion SN is a frequent finding in adults’ lumbar spine MRI, especially in males; it is related to vertebral endplate bony pathology rather than discal pathology.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonathan Gebrewold ◽  
Bati Tesfaye

Abstract Background: Low back pain (LBP) has become one of the most serious public health problems with substantial socioeconomic implication. Degenerative disc disease one of the commonest cause of LBP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely utilized in evaluation patients with degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. However there are contradictors reports with regards to association of MRI findings of lumbar spine and patients’ symptoms.Objective: This study is aimed determine correlation of degree of disability with lumbar spine MRI findings in patients with LBP at University of Gondar comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH), North West Ethiopia, 2020.Methods and Materials. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 consecutively enrolled patients with lower back pain who underwent lumbar MRI scan. Degree of disability was measured using Oswestry disability Index (ODI) questionnaire translated to local language. Association between lumbar spine MRI parameters and ODI score and category was tested using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Chi square tests. Results The mean age the study subjects was 43.81±1.88 years (range 22-83 years). 59.7% of the study population were Female. In terms of ODI category, most fell under minimal and moderate disability 33 (45.8%) and 25(34.7%) respectively. Disc bulge (81.9%) and foraminal stenosis were the most frequent MRI abnormalities detected. ODI score showed weak correlation with grade of spinal canal stenosis. Foraminal stenosis grade was not correlated ODI.Conclusion: The clinical relevance of MRI findings in patients with degenerative disc disease is limited and MRI should be sparingly ordered in evaluation of these patients particularly in resource constrained settings.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e049938
Author(s):  
Caitlin Farmer ◽  
Denise A O'Connor ◽  
Hopin Lee ◽  
Kirsten McCaffery ◽  
Christopher Maher ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo investigate (1) self-reported societal comprehension of common and usually non-serious terms found in lumbar spine imaging reports and (2) its relationship to perceived seriousness, likely persistence of low back pain (LBP), fear of movement, back beliefs and history and intensity of LBP.DesignCross-sectional online survey of the general public.SettingFive English-speaking countries: UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.ParticipantsAdults (age >18 years) with or without a history of LBP recruited in April 2019 with quotas for country, age and gender.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSelf-reported understanding of 14 terms (annular fissure, disc bulge, disc degeneration, disc extrusion, disc height loss, disc protrusion, disc signal loss, facet joint degeneration, high intensity zone, mild canal stenosis, Modic changes, nerve root contact, spondylolisthesis and spondylosis) commonly found in lumbar spine imaging reports. For each term, we also elicited worry about its seriousness, and whether its presence would indicate pain persistence and prompt fear of movement.ResultsFrom 774 responses, we included 677 (87.5%) with complete and valid responses. 577 (85%) participants had a current or past history of LBP of whom 251 (44%) had received lumbar spine imaging. Self-reported understanding of all terms was poor. At best, 235 (35%) reported understanding the term ‘disc degeneration’, while only 71 (10.5%) reported understanding the term ‘Modic changes’. For all terms, a moderate to large proportion of participants (range 59%–71%), considered they indicated a serious back problem, that pain might persist (range 52%–71%) and they would be fearful of movement (range 42%–57%).ConclusionCommon and usually non-serious terms in lumbar spine imaging reports are poorly understood by the general population and may contribute to the burden of LBP.Trial registration numberACTRN12619000545167.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A209-A209
Author(s):  
Catherine Stewart ◽  
Paul Benjamin Loughrey ◽  
John R Lindsay

Abstract Background: Osteopetrosis is a group of rare inherited skeletal dysplasias, with each variant sharing the hallmark of increased bone mineral density (BMD). Abnormal osteoclast activity produces overly dense bone predisposing to fracture and skeletal deformities. Whilst no cure for these disorders exists, endocrinologists play an important role in surveillance and management of complications. Clinical Cases: A 43-year-old female had findings suggestive of increased BMD on radiographic imaging performed to investigate shoulder and back pain. X-ray of lumbar spine demonstrated a ‘rugger jersey’ spine appearance, while shoulder X-ray revealed mixed lucency and sclerosis of the humeral head. DXA scan showed T-scores of +11 at the hip and +12.5 at the lumbar spine. MRI of head displayed bilateral narrowing and elongation of the internal acoustic meatus and narrowing of the orbital foramina. Genetic assessment confirmed autosomal dominant osteopetrosis with a CLCN7 variant. Oral colecalciferol supplementation was commenced and multi-disciplinary management instigated with referral to ophthalmology and ENT teams. A 25-year-old male presented with a seven-year history of low back pain and prominent bony swelling around the tibial tuberosities and nape of neck. Past medical history included repeated left scaphoid fracture in 2008 and 2018. Recovery from his scaphoid fracture was complicated by non-union requiring bone grafting with open reduction and fixation. Plain X-rays of the spine again demonstrated ‘rugger jersey’ spine. DXA scan was notable for elevated T scores; +2.9 at hip and +5.8 lumbar spine. MRI spine showed vertebral endplate cortical thickening and sclerosis at multiple levels. The patient declined genetic testing and is under clinical review. A 62-year-old male was referred to the bone metabolism service following a DXA scan showing T scores of +11. 7 at the hip and +13 at the lumbar spine. His primary complaint was of neck pain and on MRI there was multi-level nerve root impingement secondary to facet joint hypertrophy. Past medical history was significant for a long history of widespread joint pains; previous X-ray reports described generalized bony sclerosis up to 11 years previously. Clinical and radiological monitoring continues. Conclusion: Individuals with osteopetrosis require a multidisciplinary approach to management. There is no curative treatment and mainstay of therapy is supportive with active surveillance for complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596712092255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loris Peterhans ◽  
Stefan Fröhlich ◽  
Christoph Stern ◽  
Walter O. Frey ◽  
Mazda Farshad ◽  
...  

Background: Alpine ski racing is known as a sport with unfavorable spinal loads and high rates of back overuse injuries at the elite level. However, little is known about overuse-related structural abnormalities occurring in the spine of youth athletes. Purpose: To describe the prevalence of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the lumbar spine of youth competitive alpine skiers within the U16 category (under 16 years) with respect to sex, height growth, multifidus size, increasing age, and clinical relevance. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 108 youth competitive alpine skiers aged 13 to 15 years underwent MRI examination of the lumbar spine and measurement of the multifidus cross-sectional area on a 3-T Magnetom Prisma scanner. Complementary assessments included the determination of anthropometrics and biological maturation. Athletes were classified as symptomatic when, pursuant to the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire on health problems, at least 1 substantial back overuse–related health problem episode had been registered during the 12 months before the MRI examination. Results: Of the analyzed youth skiers, 37.0% presented with ≥1 abnormal MRI finding in the lumbar spine. The most prevalent findings in both sexes were disc degeneration (23.1%), Schmorl nodes (19.4%), end plate changes (10.2%), and pars interarticularis anomalies (10.2%); the pars interarticularis anomalies occurred exclusively in males. A smaller relative lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area was related to more frequent occurrence of disc protrusions ( P = .018; R2 = 0.116) and end plate changes ( P = .024; R2 = 0.096). Overall, the occurrence of abnormal MRI findings in the lumbar spine increased with age ( P = .034; R2 = 0.054). Disc degeneration (particularly disc dehydration and disc protrusion) were significantly more prevalent in symptomatic versus asymptomatic athletes ( P < .05 for all). Conclusion: As early as age 15 years or younger, competitive alpine skiers demonstrated distinct overuse-related structural abnormalities in the lumbar spine, with some of them being clinically relevant and restrictive of sports participation. As sex, height growth, multifidus size, and increasing age seem to play an important role for the occurrence of such abnormalities, considering these factors might be essential for prevention.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 2849-2855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Folkvardsen ◽  
Erland Magnussen ◽  
Jaro Karppinen ◽  
Juha Auvinen ◽  
Rasmus Hertzum Larsen ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 627-628
Author(s):  
Adrian B. Schultz ◽  
Peter Logan ◽  
Michael J. Blackburn ◽  
Donna N. White ◽  
Michael K. Drew ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1753-1760 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Samartzis ◽  
F.P.S. Mok ◽  
J. Karppinen ◽  
D.Y.T. Fong ◽  
K.D.K. Luk ◽  
...  

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1189
Author(s):  
Donggyu Lee ◽  
Minsoo Kang

Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in systemic muscle mass and physical performance. Disc degeneration also causes back muscle atrophy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the influence of systemic muscle mass decline on back muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration compared to disc degeneration. We included 127 patients (65.54 ± 14.93 years) with back pain who underwent lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Axial T2-weighted MRI data of the L4–5 and L5-S1 levels were used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the psoas and spinal muscles. The psoas index (cm2/m2) was used as a surrogate for systemic muscle mass. The Pfirrmann grading system was used to evaluate intervertebral disc degeneration. The functional area of the back muscles was calculated by subtracting the fat infiltration area from the CSA; the functional CSA ratio was calculated by dividing the functional CSA by the CSA. Image-processing software (ImageJ; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) was used for analysis. Psoas index and aging significantly affected CSA and the ratio of functional CSA of the back muscles and multifidi. Disc degeneration did not significantly affect the back muscles beyond aging in patients with back pain. Males showed substantially higher CSA of the back muscles and multifidi than females; however, sex did not affect the functional CSA ratio of these muscles. Systemic muscle mass decline showed a more powerful influence on back muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration than disc degeneration. Therefore, proper evaluation of sarcopenia is needed for patients with chronic back pain and back muscle degeneration.


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