Prevalence Of Lumbar Disc Degeneration Research Articles

Assessing the risk of lumbar degenerative disc disease associated with swimming: A systematic review.

The purpose of the current study is to synthesize the outcomes of investigations reporting the odds of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) in competitive swimmers compared to controls. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines from inception until March 2023 to identify relevant studies evaluating the risk for lumbar DDD associated with swimming. Data in the current literature were synthesized for positive imaging findings of DDD at one or more lumbar level in swimmers compared to nonswimmers. Additionally, data regarding prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration and back pain in competitive swimmers were synthesized. Four studies were included in the final analysis. Study quality and risk of bias were deemed adequate. There was significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 0.74) regarding data collected, population of swimmers, sample size, and methods. Therefore, a meta-analysis was not conducted. The majority of the studies included in this study (three of four) reported that swimmers have increased odds of developing lumbar DDD. Additionally, secondary outcome analysis indicated that swimmers have a higher probability of developing moderate-to-severe back pain. Competitive swimming appears to be associated with the presence of DDD on advanced imaging and moderate-to-severe back pain. These findings are limited by significant differences in study methodology in the included studies. Although swimming is conventionally considered a low-impact sport, elite swimmers risk developing lower back pain and disc pathology, possibly because training involves unique biomechanics with repetitive rotational and hyperextension/flexion of the spine. Further research investigating risk factors involving biomechanics of swimming on the spine may have important implications for stroke technique, injury prevention, and rehabilitation for swimmers.

Trends in the Prevalence of Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Young Men with Low Back Pain over the Past Two Decades: A Single-Institution, MRI-Based Study

Trends in the Prevalence of Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Young Men with Low Back Pain over the Past Two Decades: A Single-Institution, MRI-Based Study

Patterns of Lumbar Disc Degeneration: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis in Symptomatic Subjects.

Study DesignCross-sectional study.PurposeTo evaluate lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in symptomatic subjects to accumulate baseline data on the pattern of degeneration.Overview of LiteratureLDD plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of low-back pain in patients. Few studies have focused on the pattern of LDD to understand how the lumbar spine ages.MethodsThis study included 1,095 patients (mean age, 44.29 years; range, 16–85 years) who underwent upright lumbar MRI. LDD was graded into five categories (I–V). Positive LDD was defined as grade III or greater. The prevalence and pattern of LDD were analyzed, and the correlations between age and total grade of LDD were evaluated.ResultsThe average number of LDD levels and the total grade of LDD increased with age. LDD moved cephalad with age. The rate of LDD increased rapidly during the decade before the prevalence of LDD and became >50%. In the single-level LDD group, the levels L5–S1 were the most common levels (60.3%). In the two-level group, L4–L5 and L5–S1 were the most common levels (53.5%). In the three-level group, L3–L4, L4–L5, and L5–S1 were the most common levels (55.7%). In the multilevel LDD group, contiguous multilevel disc degeneration (CMDD) was more common than the skipped level disc degeneration (SLDD). The levels L4–L5 were the most common levels in the CMDD group, and L5–S1 were the most common levels among SLDD.ConclusionsLDD was found to correlate with age, and the specific patterns and rates of LDD depended on lumbar disc level and age. These LDD pattern data can be used before spinal procedures to predict the probability of natural LDD progression with age.

The prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration in symptomatic younger patients: A study of MRI scans

Study designRetrospective Cohort Study. ObjectiveLow back pain (LBP) and radiculopathy present a significant burden to patients and healthcare systems. Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is associated with LBP. While the prevalence of LDD in older, symptomatic, patients has been extensively documented there has been little describing the prevalence in younger patients. Methods1011 patients aged 20–30 years, who had undergone Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), for investigation of LBP and or radiculopathy, over a 9-year period were identified. Those who had previous surgery, congenital deformities or unavailable imaging were excluded. A single surgeon evaluated the MRI images of 730 patients and classified each lumbar disc according to the Pfirrmann classification. 105 randomly selected patient’s imaging was reviewed again by the primary reviewer and by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist with the kappa coefficients for inter-rater and intra-rater agreement calculated. ResultsOf the 730 patients, 428 (58.6%) had MRI evidence of LDD (Pfirrmann III, IV, V). 255 (59.6%) demonstrated single level pathology and 173 (41.4%) multilevel involvement. There was very high intra/inter observer agreement with kappa coefficients for intra-observer agreement from 0.65 to 0.98 and inter-observer agreement from 0.51 to 0.88. ConclusionsThis is the largest study to document the prevalence of LDD in a symptomatic young cohort. A large prospective study including non-symptomatic patients and information on associated factors would add further information. Given the considerably higher than anticipated prevalence identified in this study and the significant burden associated with LBP this study should encourage such further research.

Prevalence of lumbar disc herniation and disc degeneration in asymptomatic Indian subjects: An MRI based study

Background: India is a country with a huge human resource been utilised for labour and also is a country of diversity in culture and religions. Thus we have numerous activities which involve bending and twisting of the spine. Therefore we expect more disc degeneration and disc herniation compared to the western world. Indian health care system has traditional medicine and modern medicine. Both systems has easy access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which in fact will display both physiological and pathological changes. This may miss-lead a less experienced health worker and can also create a bad mental impact on an otherwise normal individual. Aim: Analyse the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration and herniation in asymptomatic Indian subjects using MRI. Materials and Methods: this was an observational study where we selected subjects without any low back related symptoms and signs and allowed them to undergo lumbar spine screening using a 0.2 tesla machine. Results: We had 76 subjects with a mean age of 43.7 and studied 380 discs in 4 different age groups. Among disc herniation 273 discs (71.8%) were normal and 107 discs (28.2%) had pathological changes in the form of bulge 68(17.8%), protrusions 30(7.8%) and extrusions 9(2%). None of the subjects had sequestration. Among disc degeneration 256(67.3%) were Grade 1& 2 and 124 (32.7%) were Grade 3, 4&5. In the 76 subjects 37% had disc herniation and 33% had grade 3, 4 and 5 degeneration. Conclusion: The high prevalence of disc degeneration and disc herniation in MRI of normal subjects, emphasize the value of clinical history and clinical evaluation before starting precious treatment.

Identification of lumbar disc disease hallmarks: a large cross-sectional study.

BackgroundLumbar disc disease has a disabling impact on global people with heavy burden on society, mainly consisting of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The recently released lumbar disc nomenclature version 2.0 deepens our understandings on the diseases. Consequently, there is an urgent need to clarify the occurrence and distribution features of LDD and LDH in a large-scale sample in terms of the novel version.Question/purposesWe asked: (1) Is there a difference in the occurrence and distribution hallmarks of LDD and LDH in a population-based large-scale sample? (2) Does the novel nomenclature version bring novel vision on lumbar disc disease?MethodsFive thousand two hundred eighty-eight consecutive cases (26,440 lumbar discs) undergoing lumbar spine MRI were retrospectively included from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 in a territory university hospital. Five hundred nine cases were excluded. There were 2727 males (51.57%) and 2561 females (48.43%) with a mean age of 43.73 years. Both T1 and T2 weighted lumbar MRI images from L1/2 to L5/S1 were profoundly analyzed in axial and sagittal planes. We classified lumbar discs in terms of version 2.0.ResultsThe occurrence of LDH and LDD was 14.18 and 44.23% in average, respectively. Notably, lumbar spine discs were more prone to LDD than LDH. L4/5 was the most frequent level in terms of LDH (26.08%) and LDD (56.09%), followed by L5/S1 (LDH: 24.09%; LDD: 55.33%), then L3/4, L2/3 and L1/2 in ranking order. The prevalence of LDH and LDD in upper lumbar discs from L1/2 to L3/4 was significant lower than the average prevalence rate (P < 0.05). The mean age was 24.70 (±14.81) years for normal lumbar discs; 49.76 (±14.95) years for LDD; 37.01 (±12.91) years for LDH; 51.31(±15.00) years for LDD and LDH (P < 0.05). Modic changes, HIZ, spondylosis deformans and decreased disc height were linked with older age; whereas Schmorl node and lumbar disc sequestration were not associated with age (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of LDD is 44.23%, higher than LDH as 14.18%. L4/5 and L5/S1 are the most frequent involved segments for the majority of lumbar disc diseases. Schmorl node occurs (1.6%) more frequently in upper lumbar spine, independent of age. Modic changes (0.87%) are closely related with older age.Clinical relevanceWhen diagnosing and treating lumbar disc disease, it might be important to consider the updated nomenclature of LDD and LDH. Our study provides additional novel vision on the features of LDD and LDH in a large-scale sample based on the nomenclature of novel version.

Association Between Lumbar Spine Sagittal Alignment and L4-L5 Disc Degeneration Among Asymptomatic Young Adults.

Cross-sectional observational study on the relationship between the degrees of disc degeneration and sagittal alignment in asymptomatic healthy individuals. This study sought to determine whether the sagittal spine alignment subtype is related to the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration. Sagittal balance and spinopelvic parameters might be risk factors for disc degeneration. A total of 70 asymptomatic participants (36 women and 34 men) without regular physical activity were categorized according to the four subtypes of sagittal alignment proposed by Roussouly. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine (1.5T) and panoramic radiography of the spine. The degree of disc degeneration was graded using T2-weighted images according to the Pfirrmann classification. Spinopelvic parameters and vertebral curvatures were measured on digital panoramic radiographs using Surgimap software. Interobserver analyses for the Pfirrmann classification and spinopelvic parameters were assessed using the weighted Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The Kappa associated with disc degeneration classification was 0.79 (95% confidence intervals 0.72-0.87). The ICCs were excellent, with small confidence intervals for all spinopelvic parameters. The type II group (flat lordosis) showed a higher frequency of degenerated discs at L4-L5 (P = 0.03) than the type IV group (long and curved lumbar spine). No significant differences in disc degeneration were observed among the four subtypes at the other disc levels. We found a negative, moderate correlation between the spinopelvic parameters and the occurrence of disc degeneration in the type II group. The Roussouly subtype II sagittal alignment is significantly associated with disc degeneration at L4-L5 in asymptomatic young adults. Our results support the hypothesis that spinal sagittal alignment plays a role in early disc degeneration. 3.

Are Fast-Bowlers Prone to Back Injuries? Prevalence of Lumbar Spine Injuries in Fast-Bowlers: Review of MRI-Based Studies.

Background:Fast-bowlers in cricket subject their spines to repetitive stress.Objectives:The aim of this study was to review the prevalence of lumbar spine injuries among fast-bowlers.Materials and Methods:Medline and embase searches were performed. Further, the authors canvassed the reference list of available articles and used other search engines such as Google Scholar to identify a total of nine studies.Results:The prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration in fast-bowlers ranges from 21-65% with an incidence rate of 15% per year, and the prevalence of lumbar spine bony abnormalities ranges from 24-81%. Factors associated with lumbar spine injury in fast-bowlers are classified into un-modifiable (age) and modifiable (more intense bowling workload and mixed-bowling technique).Conclusions:Fast-bowlers have a high prevalence of lumbar spine injuries. Appropriate interventions, such as educational sessions, may be able to modify risk factors such as bowling workload and bowling technique and thus reduce injury prevalence.

Joint Laxity Negatively Correlates With Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Young Adults

Cross-sectional study of preselected cohort of patients with neck pain. To determine the association between joint laxity and lumbar disc degeneration in young adults. Joint laxity is known to be closely related with orthopedic injuries and disease; however, studies about the relationship between spinal disorder and joint laxity are lacking. Patients aged 30 to 40 years, seen at the outpatient clinic of our hospital for the evaluation of neck pain, who had magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine with routine inclusion of T2-weighted sagittal plane of the whole spine were included in the study. The Beighton and Horan criteria was used for the assessment of joint laxity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio for lumbar disc degeneration in patients with joint laxity, and other variables including age, sex, body mass index, physical workload, neck pain (visual analogue scale score), and related disability (neck disability index score), and sagittal alignment. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study: 34 patients with joint laxity and 67 patients without joint laxity. There were no differences in age, body mass index, physical workload, neck pain (visual analogue scale score), and neck disability index score between the 2 groups, but there was a significant difference in sex ratio (P < 0.001). Patients with joint laxity showed increased lumbar lordosis (P = 0.004) and increased sacral slope (P = 0.003) but without significant difference in pelvic incidence (P = 0.084). In univariate analysis, presence of joint laxity (Beighton score ≥4) as well as positive results of thumb (P = 0.016) and elbow (P = 0.047) tests were significantly associated with decreased risk for lumbar disc degeneration. Presence of joint laxity remained significant after multivariate adjustment for sex and lumbar lordosis (odds ratio = 0.373, P = 0.040). Increased joint laxity was closely associated with lower prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration in young adults, and the increased lumbar lordosis associated with joint laxity might explain the decreased risk of lumbar disc degeneration. 2.

Lumbar Disc Degeneration

A literature review. To synthesize the scientific literature on the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration and factors associated with its occurrence, including genetic influences. A literature review was conducted of the prevalence of disc degeneration. Studies of the etiology of disc degeneration were summarized, with particular attention given to studies of genetic influences. There are extreme variations in the reported prevalence of specific degenerative findings of the lumbar spine among studies, which cannot be explained entirely by age or other identifiable risk factors (e.g., prevalence figures for disc narrowing varied from 3% to 56%). It is likely that these variations are due, in great part, to inconsistencies in case definitions and measurements, which are impeding epidemiologic research on disc degeneration. Research conducted over the past decade has led to a dramatic shift in the understanding of disc degeneration and its etiology. Previously, heavy physical loading was the main suspected risk factor for disc degeneration. However, results of exposure-discordant monozygotic and classic twin studies suggest that physical loading specific to occupation and sport has a relatively minor role in disc degeneration, beyond that of upright postures and routine activities of daily living. Recent research indicates that heredity has a dominant role in disc degeneration, explaining 74% of the variance in adult populations studied to date. Since 1998, genetic influences have been confirmed by the identification of several gene forms associated with disc degeneration.

A pilot study of the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration in elite athletes with lower back pain at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Objectives: To observe the prevalence of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in elite athletes as compared with published literature of changes seen in non-athletes—that is, normal population. Methods: The lumbar spines...

Age-dependent correlation of low-back pain and lumbar disc regeneration.

The prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration in subjects suffering from low-back pain (n = 207; age range 10-49 years) and in age-matched asymptomatic controls (n = 216) was investigated by magnetic resonance imaging. The percentage of subjects with degenerated discs increased with age; starting from the age of 15 years, this increase was more rapid in subjects with low-back pain. Concurrently, the number of degenerated discs was higher in the pain group than in controls. Lumbar disc degeneration manifests earlier and in a greater percentage of subjects with low-back pain than in asymptomatic controls.

Felling work, low-back pain and osteoarthritis.

Low-back pain and the occurrence of osteoarthritis were investigated among 226 lumberjacks employed in felling work for an average of 20 a. The reference group comprised 98 persons involved in either light physical work or office activities. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to the occurrence of low-back pain and the subjective degree of low-back pain. According to the radiographic findings the lumberjacks had statistically more occurrences (62%) of disc degeneration than the referents (50%). No association between length of exposure to felling work and the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration could be established. The occurrence of osteoarthritis in the hip and knee joints of the lumberjacks was 5 and 3% for the lumberjacks and the referents, respectively.

Radiologically detectable lumbar disc degeneration in concrete reinforcement workers.

Two hundred and ninety-five male Finnish concrete reinforcement workers, aged 19 to 64 years and engaged in heavy physical work including prolonged stooping, were radiologically examined by antero-posterior and lateral views of the lumbar spine while they were standing. The findings of lumbar disc degeneration were classified as none, slight, moderate or severe. The prevalence and degree of radiologically detectable lumbar disc degeneration depended strongly on age and increased especially rapidly from 40 to 44 years on. Lumbar disc degeneration showed an age-independent association to both a history of lumbago (chi2 = 10.5, p less than 0.01) and a history of sciatica (chi2 = 11.8, p less than 0.001). When disc degeneration was compared to reports of stiffness, fatigue, ache, and sharp pain in the back during an ordinary workday, no statistically significant associations were found, while disc degeneration was found to be slightly more common (chi2 = 4.6, p less than0.05) in the men reporting back symptoms as they bent down than in the men who did not report such symptoms. No association between length of exposure to static and dynamic back loads in reinforcement work and the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration could be established, but definite conclusions on the possible effect of reinforcement work on the lumbar spine could not be drawn from the data.