Prevalence Of Degenerative Changes Research Articles

Accuracy of low-field magnetic resonance imaging for differentiating intervertebral disc extrusions and protrusions at the lumbosacral disc space in dogs.

MRI features differentiating extrusion from protrusion in thoracolumbar discs have been published, however little specifically evaluates the lumbosacral disc. The high prevalence of degenerative changes in apparently normal animals complicates assessment of this region and features relevant elsewhere in the spine may not apply. The aims of this study were to determine the accuracy of MRI in differentiating IVDE and IVDP at the lumbosacral disc space in dogs and determine which MRI characteristics discriminate between IVDE and IVDP. MRI examinations from dogs with surgically confirmed IVDE or IVDP at the lumbosacral disc space were collected retrospectively (2011-2019). Two radiologists independently recorded a diagnosis of IVDE or IVDP, gave a confidence rating, and evaluated specific MRI features. Univariable statistical analysis was performed to identify which MRI characteristics might help distinguish IVDE from IVDP. 117 dogs with lumbosacral IVDE (n = 16) or IVDP (n = 101) were included. Features associated with IVDE were in concordance with previous studies and included interruption of the dorsal annulus, suspected epidural hemorrhage, dispersed (rather than confined) intervertebral disc herniation on T2W sagittal images, lateralized intervertebral disc herniation and displacement of the cauda equina. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 68.8% and interobserver agreement was fair (κ = 0.37), which is lower than has been reported in thoracolumbar disc herniation, but accuracy increased to 85.3% with substantially improved agreement (κ = 0.87) in "confident" diagnoses. MRI characteristics used in differentiating thoracolumbar IVDE and IVDP can be extrapolated to the lumbosacral intervertebral disc space, but diagnostic accuracy in low-field MRI is lower than previously reported in herniations involving the thoracolumbar spine.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE MANDIBULAR CONDYLE AND ARTICULAR EMINENCE INCLINATION, HEIGHT, AND SHAPE: A CBCT STUDY

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the articular eminence inclination and height and correlate these findings with the eminence shapes and degenerative condylar changes using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The assessments were established on CBCT images of 566 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that were included from the computer database. Age and gender were recorded for all individuals. Degenerative changes were examined in the articular surface of the condyle. The articular eminence (AE) inclination and height measurements were performed on central parasagittal slices of the TMJ. The shape of the AE was classified as box, sigmoid, flattened, and deformed. Results: The prevalence of degenerative changes in the condyle was higher in males, but no significant difference was found (p ˃ 0.05). The AE inclination and height have a relation with gender and age groups. The AE inclination and height results were greater in males (p < 0.05). The reduced mean values of eminence inclination and height in the +50-year-old group were detected (p < 0.05). Sigmoid and box-shaped articular eminence morphologies were more common. The eminence with deformed-shaped was related to two or more degenerative alterations in the condylar head. Conclusion: The degenerative condylar changes can affect eminence inclination and height by mechanical loading and changed articular dynamics. Gender and age have a significant effect on the AE morphology. The articular eminence shape is influenced by combinations of two or more degenerative changes.

The variations and degenerative changes of sacroiliac joints in asymptomatic adults.

The sacroiliac joint has a structure in which the direction of the load relative to the articular surface is irrational, as the joint surface is not perpendicular to the trunk load axis; it is likely to incur more degenerative changes than other weight-bearing joints. This retrospective study consisted of a total of 145 cases - 104 (71.7%) men and 41 (28.3%) women - who were referred to Gaziantep University Medical Faculty Radiology Department Polyclinic for pelvic computed tomography (CT) from 2013 to 2018. The mean age was 33.5 years (range: 18-60 years). Pelvis CT images were performed according to the exclusion criteria specified by the experienced orthopaedic surgeon. Patients were excluded from the study if they were younger than the age of 18, had a condition involving the sacroiliac joint, had an endocrine disorder, or had a history of a trauma affecting the pelvis CT examination. In this current study, six types of anatomic variations were detected. Iliosacral complex variation has been determined as the most common type of variation. The incidence of variations of sacroiliac joint in all cases was 28.9%. Degenerative changes were seen in 5.5% of patients fewer than 30 years of age. When it comes to the patients whose age range is 30-60, the percentage of the degenerative changes is 12.4%. In patients who were 30 years and older, the prevalence of degenerative changes increased progressively with increasing age. In this study, it is thought that the knowledge of variations in normal population and degenerative changes will contribute to the better understanding of normal morphological structure of sacroiliac joint and to the anatomical literature. It's seen that there is not a statistically significant relationship between degenerative changes and anatomical variations.

Achilles tendon degeneration on ultrasound in type 2 diabetic patients.

Aim of studyThe main goal of this study was to compare the various degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon of type 2 diabetic patients to that of controls. The influence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, duration of diabetes mellitus, age, and body mass index on the occurrence of degenerative changes was also evaluated.Materials and methodsThe Achilles tendons of both limbs were evaluated with high-resolution ultrasound in 80 type 2 diabetics and 80 age/sex-matched controls. A 10 g Semmes Weinstein monofilament was used to examine for peripheral neuropathy. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical assessment of glycemic control (fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin) were also done.ResultsThe mean age of type 2 diabetic subjects and healthy controls was 60.9 ± 10.3 years (range 41–79 years) and 61.0 ± 10.3 years (range 40–79 years), respectively (p = 0.963). The median duration of diabetes mellitus was 42.0 months (range = 1–456 months). The prevalence of degenerative changes (calcifications, disorganized fibers and/or hypoechoic foci) was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic subjects than controls in both the right (55.0% vs. 18.8%, p <0.001) and left (52.5% vs. 18.8%, p <0.001) feet.ConclusionThe Achilles tendons of type 2 diabetic subjects have significantly more degenerative changes than their age/sex-matched controls in our locality. Disorganized Achilles tendon fibers occur significantly more often among male than female type 2 diabetic subjects. Disorganization of Achilles tendon fibers and hypoechoic foci are significantly more prevalent in type 2 diabetic subjects with peripheral neuropathy than those without peripheral neuropathy. Body mass index did not affect the occurrence of degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon of participants.

High Prevalence of Degenerative Changes at the Metatarsal Head Sesamoid Articulation Found During Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery.

Background. Despite the absence of complications and a restoration of normal hallux alignment, some patients have suboptimal outcomes from hallux valgus correction surgery. One risk factor for persistent pain may be the presence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids, an area not easily assessed with standard radiographs unless dedicated sesamoid views are obtained. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the metatarsal head for degenerative changes during hallux valgus correction surgery and identified preoperative risk factors associated with these changes. Methods. We prospectively evaluated 200 feet in 196 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery intraoperatively for the pattern and severity of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head. Mann-Whitney U testing was implemented to compare differences in arthritic scores between preoperative deformity groups. The Spearman correlation test was used to determine the association between age and preoperative deformity with the severity of degenerative changes. Results. More than half of all feet assessed had severe arthritic changes at the plantar medial aspect of the metatarsal head and 40% of feet at the plantar lateral aspect. Age and intermetatarsal angle were found to be positively correlated with arthritis in this area. Conclusion. Our prospective study has demonstrated the high prevalence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head sesamoid articulation and the positive influence of age and severity of deformity on metatarsal head arthritic changes seen during hallux valgus correction surgery. Furthermore, these arthritic changes were found to have no significant influence on preoperative functional and pain levels.Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series.

High Prevalence of Degenerative Changes at the Metatarsal Head Sesamoid Articulation Found During Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery

Category:BunionIntroduction/Purpose:Despite absence of complications and a restoration of normal hallux alignment, some patients have suboptimal outcomes from hallux valgus correction surgery. One risk factor for persistent pain may be the presence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids, an area not easily assessed with standard preoperative radiographs. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the metatarsal head for degenerative changes during hallux valgus correction surgery and identified preoperative risk factors associated with these changes.Methods:We prospectively evaluated 200 feet in 196 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery intraoperatively for the pattern and severity of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head. Intraoperatively, the first metatarsophalangeal and sesamoid metatarsal joint were assessed for arthritic changes. The articular surface of the metatarsal head was divided into zones 1-6 (Figure 1). Cartilage loss in each zone was graded from 0-2 based on a novel grading system, with a score of 0 representing the absence of arthritis. A score of 1 indicated fissures without exposed bone, and a score of 2 represented degenerative changes to the level of exposed bone. Mann-Whitney U testing was implemented to compare differences in arthritic scores between preoperative deformity groups. Spearman’s correlation test was used to determine the association between age and preoperative deformity with the severity of degenerative changes.Results:One-hundred two out of 200 feet (51%) assessed had severe arthritic changes at the plantar medial aspect of the metatarsal head, and 40% (80/200) at the plantar lateral aspect. The mean preoperative hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were 29.6 ± 8.5 (range, 9.8-55.3) and 14.2 ± 3.3 (range, 6.6-25.9), respectively. Those presenting with an intermetatarsal angle (IMA) >/= 14 degrees had a significantly higher level of arthritis when compared to those presenting with an IMA < 14 degrees (p < 0.001). No difference in arthritis scores was found for HVA. Age was found to have a strong and significant (p < 0.001) correlation with zone 5, zone 6, total plantar zone, and total arthritis scores.Conclusion:The high prevalence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids may be partially responsible for suboptimal outcome following hallux valgus correction surgery. Since these changes were associated with greater age and preoperative deformity, operating earlier in the pathology of hallux valgus may be of benefit.

Vertebral body anomalies on bone density scans in younger and older retired rugby players: the UK Rugby Health project

Introduction Lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) may be abnormally elevated by conditions in or around the spine. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry recommends excluding vertebrae if there is a focal structural abnormality (FSA) affecting some but not all of the scanned vertebrae, or if there is a T-score discrepancy (>1.0 SD difference in bone density between adjacent vertebrae). Anomalies can include osteoarthritis and degenerative changes, and fracture which have previously been reported in retired rugby players ( Hind et al., 2014 ; Davies et al., 2017 ). Objective To quantify vertebral body exclusions in a UK cohort of younger and older retired rugby players. Methods Retired rugby players (77 males; 10.6 yrs post retirement) aged 50 years or over (n = 27, 57.2 ± 7 years; 175.8 ± 7.6 cm; 94.9 ± 16.9 kg) and under 50 years (n = 50;40.1 ± 6.2 years; 182.1 ± 6.4 cm; 101.9 ± 13.8 kg) received one DXA scan of the anteroposterior lumbar spine (L1-L4; Lunar iDXA TM ; GE Healthcare, WI; Encore software v 15.0). A DXA scan of the dual femur was also performed. T-scores were evaluated for those aged over 50 years, and Z-scores for those aged under 50 years ( ISCD, 2015 ). Each LS scan was evaluated in consensus by two experienced densitometrists and vertebrae were excluded where there was evidence of a FSA or a T/Z-score discrepancy. If more than two vertebrae were excluded, the scan was defined un-reportable. Results In retired rugby players aged >50y, 18 (67%) scans required vertebral body exclusion. There were 41 exclusions and seven scans were un-reportable. In younger retired players ( 50 y was 0.1 ± 1.4. The mean LS Z-score for Conclusion In this cohort of UK retired rugby players, a high number of vertebral body anomalies were identified. Therefore, our findings demonstrate the need for care when interpreting lumbar spine bone density DXA scans. We also suggest that vertebral body exclusions apply to Z-scores as well as T-scores where there is evidence of FSA or BMD discrepancy. It is recommended that hip scans are conducted alongside lumbar spine BMD scans in former athletes where the prevalence of degenerative changes can be high.

The Prevalence of Degenerative Changes in Foot of Patients Presenting with Ankle Arthritis

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Prevalence of degenerative disease of the joints of the foot is likely to be very low in the general population, as demonstrated by a previous cadaveric study (Muehleman et al. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 1997; 5 (1): 23-37). We hypothesised that the prevalence of these changes may be higher in patients presenting with ankle arthritis and we report the prevalence of these additional findings and their effect on patient-reported outcomes (PROMS) at presentation. Methods: 247 patients presented to our unit with ankle arthritis, which later went on to require total ankle replacement and were therefore included in our local joint replacement registry. Of these, 125 had available pre-operative MRI imaging. These images were reviewed by an orthopaedic resident and consultant radiologist. Results: 93 patients had evidence of degenerative change to other joints in the foot. The mean number of other joints affected was 1.25. The most common joints affected were the subtalar (67), talonavicular (32), tarsometatarsal (28), naviculocuneiform (21) and calcaneocuboid (5) joints. 92 patients had completed pre-operative FAOS scores. Multiple ANOVA of this data demonstrated no significant difference between the group with only ankle arthritis and those with other degenerative joints in terms of pre-operative FAOS score (p &gt;0.05). In a subset of 19 patients who had pain diagrams available, most patients did not indicate areas of pain in the regions of their other degenerative joints. Pain drawings suggested 0% TMTJ, 25% TNJ and 78% subtalar joints were symptomatic at presentation. Conclusion: Most patients presenting with ankle arthritis will have at least one additional area of significant degenerative joint disease somewhere in the foot. Many of these will not be overtly symptomatic at the time of presentation and number and location of other degenerative joints in the foot does not result in significant differences in pre-operative PROMS, from those reported in patients with only ankle arthritis.

Prevalence of degenerative changes and overlap with spondyloarthritis-associated lesions in the spine of patients from the DESIR cohort

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of degenerative changes on MRI and conventional radiographs of the spine in a young population with suspicion of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and assess whether it is...

Clinical Relationship of Degenerative Changes between the Cervical and Lumbar Spine.

Study DesignRetrospective, observational, case series.PurposeTo elucidate the prevalence of degenerative changes in the cervical and lumbar spine and estimate the degenerative changes in the cervical spine based on the degeneration of lumbar disc through a retrospective review of magnetic resonance (MR) images.Overview of LiteratureOver 50% of middle-aged adults show evidence of spinal degeneration. However, the relationship between degenerative changes in the cervical and lumbar spine has yet to be elucidated.MethodsA retrospective review of positional MR images of 152 patients with symptoms related to cervical and lumbar spondylosis with or without a neurogenic component was conducted. The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) was assessed on a grade of 1–5 for each segment of the cervical and lumbar spine using MR T2-weighted sagittal images. The grades across all segments were summed to produce the degenerative disc score (DDS) for the cervical and lumbar spine. The patients were divided into two groups based on the IDD grade for each lumbar segment: normal (grades 1 and 2) and degenerative (grades 3–5).ResultsDDSs for the cervical and lumbar spine were positively correlated. Significant differences in cervical DDSs between the groups were observed in all lumbar segments. Although there were no significant differences in cervical DDSs among the degenerative lumbar segment, cervical DDSs at the L1–2 and L2–3 segments tended to be higher than those at the L3–4, L4–5, and L5–S degenerative segments.ConclusionsOur study shows that participants with degenerative changes in the upper lumbar segments are more likely to have a certain amount of cervical spondylosis. This information could be used to lower the incidence of a missed diagnosis of cervical spine disorders in patients presenting with lumbar spine symptomology.

Spectrum and Prevalence of degenerative changes seen on Mri of Lumbosacral Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain

Spectrum and Prevalence of degenerative changes seen on Mri of Lumbosacral Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain

Lateral collateral ligament injuries of the elbow - chronic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI).

Chronic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is the most common form of chronic elbow instability.PLRI usually occurs from a fall on the outstretched hand. On impact, the radial head and ulna rotate externally coupled with valgus displacement of the forearm. This leads to posterior displacement of the radial head relative to the capitellum, thus causing disruption of some or all of the lateral-sided stabilisers.PLRI is mainly a clinical diagnosis with a history of instability, clicking and lateral-sided pain, with a positive clinical examination including the pivot-shift test, push-up, chair and tabletop test.MRI can often help guide diagnosis but more commonly assists in surgical planning.Surgery is indicated in patients with persistent, symptomatic instability of the elbow causing pain or functional deficit. There are several surgical techniques to treat PLRI, often leading to good to excellent results.An open or arthroscopic technique has been successfully used in patients with symptomatic PLRI following one or more episodes of dislocation or subluxation. At the pre-operative examination under general anaesthesia, all of our patients had a positive pivot-shift test but not a frank dislocation. We prefer to perform a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) reconstruction with an allograft tendon.The outcomes after repair are good to excellent in the majority of patients. Results of acute repair are generally better compared with reconstruction. This is due to the fact that predictive factors for a poor outcome include the number of previous surgeries and the prevalence of degenerative changes at the elbow.Recurrent instability is not uncommon following repair or reconstruction and has been reported in up to 25% of patients after medium- to longer-term follow-up.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:461-468. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.160033

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Spectrum of Related Disorders Affecting the Aging Spine.

Cervical spinal cord dysfunction can result from either traumatic or nontraumatic causes, including tumors, infections, and degenerative changes. In this article, we review the range of degenerative spinal disorders resulting in progressive cervical spinal cord compression and propose the adoption of a new term, degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). DCM comprises both osteoarthritic changes to the spine, including spondylosis, disk herniation, and facet arthropathy (collectively referred to as cervical spondylotic myelopathy), and ligamentous aberrations such as ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. This review summarizes current knowledge of the pathophysiology of DCM and describes the cascade of events that occur after compression of the spinal cord, including ischemia, destruction of the blood-spinal cord barrier, demyelination, and neuronal apoptosis. Important features of the diagnosis of DCM are discussed in detail, and relevant clinical and imaging findings are highlighted. Furthermore, this review outlines valuable assessment tools for evaluating functional status and quality of life in these patients and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each. Other topics of this review include epidemiology, the prevalence of degenerative changes in the asymptomatic population, the natural history and rates of progression, risk factors of diagnosis (clinical, imaging and genetic), and management strategies.

Prevalence of degenerative changes of the spine on magnetic resonance images and radiographs in patients aged 16-45 years with chronic back pain of short duration in the Spondyloarthritis Caught Early (SPACE) cohort.

To determine the prevalence of degenerative changes (DCs) in the spine of young patients with back pain without axial spondyloarthritis (no-axSpA), with possible axSpA (poss-axSpA) and with definite axSpA (axSpA), as shown on MRI and radiographs. Whole-spine MRI and cervical and lumbar radiography were performed in patients ≥16 years of age with chronic back pain (≥3 months, ≤2 years, onset <45 years) and potential axSpA (Spondyloarthritis Caught Early cohort). Patients were classified as no-axSpA, poss-axSpA [not fulfilling the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) axSpA criteria] or axSpA (fulfilling ASAS axSpA criteria). Images (MRI and X-rays) were evaluated on the presence of DCs by two independent readers, blinded to clinical and laboratory information as well as to the results of the other imaging modality. In cases of disagreement, a third reader served as adjudicator. A Chi-square test was used to analyse differences between patient groups according to various selected cut-off points (1-3) of individual DCs. Of 274 patients (38% male, mean age: 29 years), 25 (9%) were classified as no-axSpA, 134 (48.9%) as poss-axSpA and 115 (42.0%) as axSpA. Two hundred and forty-five (89%) patients had DCs on MRI [21/25 (84%) no-axSpA, 121/134 (90%) poss-axSpA, 103/115 (90%) axSpA, P = 0.792], range 1-29 (median 5.5), and 121 (44%) patients had DCs on radiographs [13/25 (52%) no-axSpA, 62/134 (46%) poss-axSpA, 48/115 (42%) axSpA, P = 0.261], range 1-11 (median 2). Prevalence of DCs was similar between patient groups. DCs were predominantly found in the lumbar spine. Prevalence of DCs was high in this cohort of young patients with short-term chronic back pain, in accordance with the literature. Prevalence of DCs in no-axSpA patients, poss-axSpA patients and axSpA patients was found to be similar.

The prevalence of degenerative or incidental findings in the lumbar spine of pediatric patients: a study using magnetic resonance imaging as a screening tool.

Several studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the lumbar spine in adults have shown a large prevalence of degenerative changes in asymptomatic subjects; however, studies in pediatric patients are scarce. Those studies have suggested a lower rate of degenerative findings in adolescents than in adults, but the actual prevalence of MRI findings in the pediatric population has not yet been determined. We aimed to determine the prevalence of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine of pediatric patients using abdominal and pelvic MRI as the screening tool. We studied 103 patients (mean age 6.6 years) who were evaluated with abdominal and pelvic MRI for indications that were not spine related. The entire lumbo-sacral spine was evaluated to detect the presence of disc degeneration (DD), disc displacement, anular rupture with high-intensity zone (HIZ) and Modic changes. In our population, 10.7 % [4.9-16.5] had at least one disc classified as Pfirrmann 2, and no patients presented discs classified as Pfirrmann 3, 4 or 5; patients exhibiting discs classified as Pfirrmann 2 were significantly older than patients who had only Pfirrmann 1 discs. The prevalence of disc bulging was 1 % [0-2.9]. No patients presented disc herniation (including protrusion or extrusions); additionally, no patients exhibited HIZ or Modic changes. Incidental findings related to DD are very uncommon at this early age, in contrast to findings described in adults or later in adolescence.

Degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joint after spinal fusion: an evidence-based systematic review.

The rate of fusion surgery of the lumbar spine has remarkably increased over the past 30 years. We performed a comprehensive search of studies addressing the assessment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) after lumbar spinal fusion surgery on PubMed, OVID/Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Google scholar and Embase. The fusion of spinal segments leads to degenerative changes in the mobile segments above or below the fused spine, because of the increase of the stresses imposed on the adjacent levels. There is no consensus about prevalence and potential risk factors contributing to SIJ degenerative changes in patients undergoing fusion surgery. Studies using radiographic evaluation to detect degenerative changes of the SIJ are being performed. No definitive estimation about the prevalence of degenerative changes of the SIJ after fusion surgery can be provided. Further studies are required to identify the risk factors involved in post-fusion degenerative changes of the SIJ.

Prevalence of degenerative changes of the atlanto-axial joints

Background contextDegeneration of the atlantodens and atlanto-axial joints is associated with cervical spine pain and may also be associated with an increased risk of dens fracture. However, there is paucity of literature describing the prevalence of specific degenerative changes in the atlantodens and atlanto-axial facet joints. PurposeTo document age-related degenerative changes of the cervical spine in a large cohort of patients. Study design/settingThis is a retrospective cohort study. Patient sampleAdult trauma patients were admitted to our Level 1 trauma center. Outcome measuresOsteoarthritis of the atlantodens and atlanto-axial facet joints of the cervical spine and the presence of intraosseous cyst and calcific synovitis, as determined by computed tomography (CT) scans. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 1,543 adult trauma patients who received a cervical spine CT scan. The anterior atlantodens joint interval was measured. The presence or absence of intraosseous cysts and calcific synovitis was recorded. Degeneration of the atlantodens and atlanto-axial facet joints at age intervals was quantified. ResultsThe atlantodens interval narrowed linearly with age (R2=0.992, p<.001). The prevalence of intraosseous cysts increased exponentially with age from 4.2% to 37.4%, and calcific synovitis increased from 0% to 11.1%. Intraosseous cyst formation generally began in the second and third decades of life and synovitis in the fifth and sixth decades of life. Facet joints also demonstrated age-related changes; however, the rate of degenerative changes was lower than in the atlantodens joint. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study that documents specific changes of both atlantodens and atlanto-axial facet joints as a function of age in a large cohort of 1,543 patients. These changes increased exponentially with age and may contribute to pain and limitation in motion. In light of our findings and recent studies demonstrating the association between degeneration and dens fracture in elderly, cervical spine radiographs of elderly patients should be carefully assessed for these changes.

OP0162 Degenerative Changes of the Spine on MRI in Patients with Inflammatory Back Pain from the DESIR Cohort

BackgroundMagnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive method to detect early signs of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). A positive MRI of the Sacroiliac joints is part of the imaging arm of...

Effect of Timing of ACL Reconstruction in Surgery and Development of Meniscal and Chondral Lesions

Purpose: To investigate whether a delay in the timing of surgery of > 6 months compared with performing the surgery > 6 months after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury leads to an increased risk of injuries or degenerative changes in the ACL-deficient knee.Methods: Patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction at an academic tertiary care center, and had preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed within 2 months of the time of the ACL injury were included. The prevalence of degenerative changes at the time of surgery was assessed and related to the timing of ACL surgery, with “early reconstruction” defined as a surgery performed ≤ 6 months and “delayed reconstruction” defined as surgery performed > 6 months after ACL injury. “New” meniscal tears were defined as lesions detected at the time of surgery that were not detected by MRI.Results: Of 195 patients who were selected based on inclusion criteria, 171 patients underwent surgery ⩽ 6 months after their ACL injury, and 24 patients underwent surgery > 6 months after their ACL injury. The prevalence of new medial meniscal tears in the early reconstruction group was 4.1%, while in the delayed reconstruction group, the prevalence was 16.7% (P = 0.012). Conclusion: A delay in the timing of ACL reconstruction from ≤ 6 months to > 6 months following injury is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of medial meniscal tears (P = 0.012), with a relative risk of 4.07 (CI, 1.29-12.88).Conclusion: A delay in the timing of ACL reconstruction from > 6 months to < 6 months following injury is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of medial meniscal tears (P = 0.012), with a relative risk of 4.07 (CI, 1.29.12.88).

Degenerative changes of the temporomandibular joint. Relationship to ethnicity, sex and occlusal supporting zones based on a skull material

Objective. The first aim of this study was to examine a contemporary human skull material for possible ethnic differences in respect of degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). A second aim was to see if there was any correlation between such changes and occlusal support in any of the two groups and, if so, if this correlation was sex-related. Materials and methods: The material consisted of 129 Caucasian skulls and 76 skulls from Afro-Americans. Ninety-four of the Caucasian skulls came from males (73%) and the corresponding figure for the Afro-Americans was 40 (53%). Their mean age at death was 46 years (range: 19–89 years) and 37 years (range: 18–70 years), respectively. Results. Dental status was in general poor and 13% of the Afro-Americans and 26% of the Caucasians were edentulous. Form and surface changes of the TMJs were more common in the present material compared to most previous studies. No differences could be found between the two ethnic groups in respect of degenerative joint changes in the TMJs. In men, no correlation of clinical relevance could be found between severity of joint changes and occlusal support. However, in both Caucasian and Afro-American women, such a correlation was obvious, especially in higher age. Conclusions. The present findings give no evidence for any differences in the prevalence of degenerative changes in the TMJs in Caucasians and Afro-Americans. The strong correlation found between such changes and occlusal support in women but not in men might be explained by hormonal differences.