Vertebral Osteochondrosis Research Articles

Occupational health risks in mining dump truck drivers

Introduction. In recent years, the mining dump truck drivers have consistently reported high rates of occupational morbidity. The aim of the study was a retrospective study of occupational pathology development in the mining dump truck drivers at the apatite open pits in the Kola Peninsula. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of occupational pathology was carried out in six hundred forty three truck drivers. Its starting point was the results of a medical examination in 2008, and in 2009-2020, newly detected occupational diseases were studied. Results. During 12 years, 172 occupational diseases including vibration disease (n=63), radiculopathy (n=54), reflex syndromes (n=36), and sensorineural hearing loss (n=19) were diagnosed for the first time in 105 (16.3%) drivers. The development of occupational pathology in 85 (49.4%) cases was due to the increased severity of work (class 3.1-3.2). In 66 (38.4%) cases, the cause was whole-body vibration (class 3.1-3.2), in 19 (11.0%) cases - noise and in 2 (1.2%) cases - hand-arm vibration (class 3.1). The risk of developing vibration disease and occupational musculoskeletal pathology was increased by vertebral osteochondrosis (RR=1.78; CI 1.21-2.60; p=0.004), deforming osteoarthritis (RR=2.35; CI 1.41-3, 91; p=0.001), arthralgia (RR = 3.12; CI 1.66-5.86; p<0.0001), cervicalgia (RR=3.29; CI 1.48-7.32 ; p = 0.002). Occupational noise exposure (Z57.0) increased the risk of occupational sensorineural hearing loss (RR=2.61; CI 1.31-5.19; p=0.005). Limitations. The impossibility of completely eliminating the diagnosis of an occupational disease in drivers who left the observation group for permanent residence in other regions of the country. Conclusion. The occupational health risk for dump truck drivers is determined by the length of service, severity of work, impact of whole-body vibration and noise, concomitant musculoskeletal and ear diseases, which must be taken into account in the prevention of occupational diseases.

Osteochondrosis and other lesions in all intervertebral, articular process and rib joints from occiput to sacrum in pigs with poor back conformation, and relationship to juvenile kyphosis

BackgroundComputed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate body composition and limb osteochondrosis in selection of breeding boars. Pigs also develop heritably predisposed abnormal curvature of the spine including juvenile kyphosis. It has been suggested that osteochondrosis-like changes cause vertebral wedging and kyphosis, both of which are identifiable by CT. The aim of the current study was to examine the spine from occiput to sacrum to map changes and evaluate relationships, especially whether osteochondrosis caused juvenile kyphosis, in which case CT could be used in selection against it. Whole-body CT scans were collected retrospectively from 37 Landrace or Duroc boars with poor back conformation scores. Spine curvature and vertebral shape were evaluated, and all inter-vertebral, articular process and rib joints from the occiput to the sacrum were assessed for osteochondrosis and other lesions.ResultsTwenty-seven of the 37 (73%) pigs had normal spine curvature, whereas 10/37 (27%) pigs had abnormal curvature and all of them had wedge vertebrae. The 37 pigs had 875 focal lesions in articular process and rib joints, 98.5% of which represented stages of osteochondrosis. Five of the 37 pigs had focal lesions in other parts of vertebrae, mainly consisting of vertebral body osteochondrosis. The 10 pigs with abnormal curvature had 21 wedge vertebrae, comprising 10 vertebrae without focal lesions, six ventral wedge vertebrae with ventral osteochondrosis lesions and five dorsal wedge vertebrae with lesions in the neuro-central synchondrosis, articular process or rib joints.ConclusionsComputed tomography was suited for identification of wedge vertebrae, and kyphosis was due to ventral wedge vertebrae compatible with heritably predisposed vertebral body osteochondrosis. Articular process and rib joint osteochondrosis may represent incidental findings in wedge vertebrae. The role of the neuro-central synchondrosis in the pathogenesis of vertebral wedging warrants further investigation.

Genetic Polymorphisms Associated With Vertebral Osteochondrosis

Genetic Polymorphisms Associated With Vertebral Osteochondrosis

The age and work experience dynamics of indices of health of employees as criteria for comparison of occupational and nonoccupational risks

There are reported data of the analysis ofparameters of the general morbidity (hypertension, chronic diseases, organs of respiratory and digestive system , adiposity, vertebral osteochondrosis) in dependence on age and work experience of dockers-mechanizators in seaport at various working conditions. Morbidity rate indices were calculated on results of the profound medical examination at annual periodic surveys of workers. There were analyzed ecological and ergonomic indices of working conditions, including an estimation of physiological intensity of the work. The general hygienic assessment of working conditions was executed on the basis of the measurement of rates of gains in the risk of diseases depending on age and the experience of work (an annual gain of risk). The divergence of these rates was used for the determination of occupational and nonoccupational fractions of the general morbidity in employees working in harmful conditions.

Оцінка структурних змін хребтових сеґментів у хворих на поперековий остеохондроз з порушеннями рухового стереотипу з використанням методів променевої діаґностики

Aim. To investigate the lumbar segments roentgenanatomic changes in patients with vertebral osteochondrosis with a disturbance of the motor stereotype. Material and Methods.The material of the study were protocols of clinical and radiological examination of 80 patients of 22-44 years of agewith lumbar osteochondrosis with a disturbance of the male motor stereotype . X-ray characteristics and signs of degeneration of elements of lumbar segments were evaluated. Statistical methods used were ones of descriptive statistics, and t-criterion by Student method with significance level of p<0,05. Results and Discussion. In the course of lumbar spondylograms analysis, a significant predominance of structural asymmetry of the elements of the lumbar segments was established: asymmetry of articular processes (in LIII - LIV - 77.5%, LIV - LV - 85.0%, LV - SI - 70.0%, disconverting of articular facets - 72.5%, 81.3%, 57.5% respectively, the asymmetry of the transverse processes is 51.3%, 46.4%, and 76.3%, respectively. Anomalies of the tropism, and rotation of the spinous processes were observed in more than half of the patients. All patients showed signs of degeneration of all elements of the investigated lumbar segments. On the magnetic resonance imaging scans, changes in end-plates of the vertebral bodies of Modic 1 and Modic 2 types were dominant, which amounted to 63.8% for the LIII - LIV segment, 82.6% for LIV - LV and 87.5% for LV - SI. There were signs of degeneration of intervertebral discs of varying degrees in all the studied lumbar segments. Conclusions. The roentgenanatomic characteristics of lumbar segments in patients with spinal osteochondrosis with motor stereotype disturbance are characterized by a significant predominance of the structural asymmetry of the LIII, LIV, and LV vertebrae: the asymmetrical value of articular (77.5%, 85.0%, 70.0%, respectively) and transverse (51, 3%, 46.4%, 76.3%, respectively) of the processes, discontinuity of the articular facies (72.5%, 81.3%, 57.5% respectively), anomalies of tropism (47.5%, 55.0%, 52.5%, respectively), rotation of spinous processes (67.5%, 63.8%, 33.8%, respectively). Dysplastic and degenerative deformations of the lumbar segments visualized in radiography and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with vertebral osteochondrosis with the motor stereotype disturbance can potentiate the development of vertebral pain syndromes.

РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЯ ХВОРИХ ІЗ ОСТЕОХОНДРОЗОМ ХРЕБТА

Вступ Надання кваліфікованої допомоги Хворов при наявності у них неврологічніх проявів вертебрального остеохондрозу (ВО) є однією з остаточно НЕ вірішеніх, найбільш складних та багатоплановіх проблем сучасної науки, а отже, важлівім завдання сучасної медичної РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ.Мета дослідження : Візначіті ефективність впліву ЗАСОБІВ фізичної РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ комплексного! Застосування удосконалення методик лікувального масажу комплексу лікувальної гімнастікі статико-дінамічніх вправо та вправо на дошці Євмінова на Хворов з остеохондрозом шийно-грудного відділу хребта.Матеріали и методи Обстежено 50 пацієнтів ВІКОМ від 25 до 55 років, Які проходили обстеження и лікування в університетській лікарні.Хворі розподілені на 2 групи: контрольну та експериментальну. Во время дослідження Використано різноманітні методи дослідження стану опорно-рухової системи - ортопедичне и неврологічне обстеження, что включало як суб'єктивні методи дослідження (Скарги, анамнез), так и об'єктивні методи дослідження (огляд, пальпаторно обстеження, діагностика зон шкірної гіперестезії, тригерних зон та функціональніх блокад хребтових-рухового сегментів).Результати ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ та їх Обговорення. В обох групах у залежності від віку, характеру, локалізації и стадії захворювання, інтенсівності больового синдрому, актівності процесса, симптоматики, супутніх захворювань Хворі пройшли курс фізичної РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ. А в експеріментальній групі, разом з комплексом лікувальної гімнастікі статико-дінамічніх вправо, як и в основній групі, додатково застосовувалісь лікувальний масаж, вправі на дошці Євмінова.Висновки . Аналіз безпосередніх результатів лікування довів, что комплексна система виявило більш ефективного у знікненні або зменшенні больового та міотонічного сіндромів, поліпшенні функціонального стану хребта, стану психо-емоційної сфери, підвіщенні якості життя пацієнтів.

High Levels of Circulating Type II Collagen Degradation Marker (CTx-II) Are Associated with Specific VDR Polymorphisms in Patients with Adult Vertebral Osteochondrosis.

Both vitamin D and collagen have roles in osteocartilaginous homeostasis. We evaluated the association between the circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), type I and II collagen degradation products (CTx-I, and CTx-II), and four vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) polymorphisms, in Italian males affected by low back pain (LBP) due to herniation/discopathy and/or vertebral osteochondrosis. FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI VDR-polymorphisms were detected through PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and circulating 25(OH)D, CTx-I and CTx-II were measured by immunoassays in 79 patients (of which 26 had osteochondrosis) and 79 age-, sex- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. Among all 158 subjects, carriers of FF and Ff genotypes showed lower 25(OH)D than ff, which suggested a higher depletion of vitamin D in F allele carriers. Higher CTx-I concentrations were observed in TT versus Tt among controls, and Tt versus tt among LBP cases, which suggested a higher bone-cartilaginous catabolism in subjects bearing the T allele. Higher CTx-II concentrations were observed in patients with osteochondrosis bearing FF, bb, TT, or Aa genotypes in comparison with hernia/discopathy patients and healthy controls. Vertebral osteochondrosis shows peculiar genotypic and biochemical features related to vitamin D and the osteocartilaginous metabolism. Vitamin D has roles in the pathophysiology of osteochondrosis.

The egenerative Treatment of Compressive Radiculo-Neuropathy. Case Report

Statement about the Abnormal Medical Condition Although disc herniation is the most common etiology of compressive radiculopathy [1,2]. Lumbar radiculopathy is indication to operative surgery [3-5]. Purpose of this study is to show the results of regenerative treatment of compressive radiculo-neuropathy in yung girl without neurosurgical treatment. Case report: patient V., 24 years had been treating in Private Scientific Institute ITHEC “Victoria” for 1 year with diagnosis: vertebral osteochondrosis, hernia disk L5-S1 with rightside lateralization, chronic radicular syndrome, compressive radiculo-neuropathy, disk protrusion L4-5. At the moment of coming patient had complaints on pain and hypestesy in lumbar part of back and in the dorsal surface of thigh rightside and in lateral surface of shin and foot, paresis of right foot and gait disorder. From anamnesis-patient was volleyball player for 10 years. In neurological status was determinate segmental loss of sensitivity and paresis of right foot. MRI showed hernia disk L5-S1 rightside localization, size 16mm and compression of radix S1. Patient refused surgery and got start regenerative treatment by “Protocol of medical care for patient with radiculopathy” №V-14.3.3.4.2.13-M54.1. After 4 hours pain reduced and to finish of 2d month paresis was reduced. For 1 year patient hasn’t pain and performed gymnastic yet. MRI-control of lumbar part of spine showed hernia disk reduce (calcification) to 10 mm. was performed style life modification and patient hasn’t pain and paresis for 3 years. The patient is monitored yet. Findings: Regenerative treatment has anti-inflammatory effect and promotes faster regeneration of the radix and peripheral nerve.

The Rehabilitation Influences of Therapeutic Exercises on the Neurological Focal Symptoms in Patients with Lumbosacral Spine Osteochondrosis

Physical therapy of patients with lumbosacral osteochondrosis is the recent problem in clinical neurology, family medicine and kinesiotherapy. Dorsalgia is a prominent symptom of this disease, it has been observed at 40-80 % of population. Goal of research: to establish the effectivety of therapeutic exercises which are used for physical therapy of the lumbosacral osteochondrosis. Methods of research: analysis and compilation of modern scientific sources of information, clinical tests, statistical techniques. Research results: 44 patients, divided into control and experimental groups, participate in the research. Every group consists of 22 patients. All sick persons got pharmaceutical treatment after guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral osteochondrosis (MOZ Ukraine). Additionally the patients from experimental group had therapeutic exercises. All the patients estimated the pain intensity on the 1st and 10th day of therapy according to the VAS. On the same days the stretch symptoms were observed as the criteria of the state of lumbosacral spine. It was found the VAS score, determined on the 1st day, was statistical different in both group fromthe VAS score, determined on the 10th research day. During exam of Laseague sing it was established the data received on the 1st day were statistical different from the data received on the 10th day. Besides the Lasegue sing indexes obtained in the experimental group on the 10th day were statistic different from the same indexes in the control group. Summary. It is proved the combined use of the pharmaceutical treatment and the therapeutic exercises is more effective for pain relief and block of the neurological local signs than single pharmaceutical treatment at the patients with lumbosacral osteochondrosis.

Integrative technology of massage manipulations in physical rehabilitation of students with backbone pathology

Purpose:to analyze effectiveness of massage manipulations’ integrative technology in physical rehabilitation of higher educational establishments’ students with backbone pathology. Material: in the research 195 students of 19-20 years’ age participated. All students had periodical initial neurological symptoms of functional pathology and first stage osteochondrosis in different parts of backbone. We conducted a course of 10 sessions of therapeutic massage. Results: the sense of massage integrative technology is that every specialist shall have certain optimal set of skills and knowledge in technique of manipulation sessions of massage. Integrative technology of massage manipulations consists of psycho-corrective and manipulation parts. It considers psycho-somatic, mechanical and reflex rehabilitation aspects of patho-genesis of backbone functional disorders and vertebral osteochondrosis. Conclusions: depending on pathological process or backbone functional state of every person (peculiarities of his (her) psycho-somatic status or, even, his (her) bents). Individual approach in choice of strategy, tactic and methodological provisioning of massage session shall be used.

The influence of abdominal decompression on microhemodynamics in the patients presenting with vertebral osteochondrosis

The patients presenting with the manifestations of reflectory syndromes associated with lumbar osteochondrosis were examined for the determination of the velocity and volumetric characteristics of the blood flow in the vessels of the microcirculatory system on the fingernail beds of the first digits of both the upper and lower extremities following a course of abdominal decompression. The hemodynamic events at these sites were studied by means of transcutaneous ultrasound dopplerography (USD) in the minimally invasivemode with the use of a “Minimax-Doppler-K” computer-controlled ultrasound device. The results thus obtained before and after the treatment by abdominal decompression with the help of a KAD-01-AKTs “Nadezhda” apparatus were compared. The treatment consisted of 10 procedures. A total of 35 patients at the mean age of 41 ± 12,17 years were available for the examination. It was shown that the treatment resulted in the improvement of microcirculation at all the sites where it was measured. The results of the study give evidence of the active influence of abdominal decompression on the blood flow velocity in the microcirculation system and of the reflectory activation of microcirculation in the regions that are not directly affected by the pathogenic factor.

Electrophysiological Mechanisms of the Plasticity of the Spinal Systems in Musculoskeletal System Dysfunctions

Recording of dorsal root/muscle reflexes was used to investigate reflex motor responses of symmetrical muscles in the thigh, calf, and foot evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal nerve roots at vertebral levels T11-L3 in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy on the background of vertebral osteochondrosis and in neurologically healthy subjects with normal movement regimes, healthy qualified sportsmen, and athletes with knee injuries. Subjects with neurological disorders and sportsmen with traumatic knee injuries showed similar signs of plasticity of the spinal nerve circuits innervating the lower limb muscles.

A new pathological classification of lumbar disc protrusion and its clinical significance.

Lumbar disc protrusion is common. Its clinical manifestations and treatments are closely related to the pathological changes; however, the pathological classification of lumbar disc protrusion is controversial. This article introduces a new pathological classification comprising four types of lumbar disc protrusion according to intraoperative findings. The damage-herniation type is probably caused by injury and is characterized by soft herniation, the capsule can easily be cut and the broken disc tissue blocks overflow or is easily removed. The broken disc substances should be completely removed; satisfactory results can be achieved by minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. The degeneration-protrusion type is characterized by hard and tough protrusions and the pathological process by degeneration and proliferative reaction. The nerve should be decompressed and relaxed with minimally invasive removal of the posterior wall; the bulged or protruded disc often need not be excised. The posterior vertebral osteochondrosis with disc protrusion type is characterized by deformity of the posterior vertebral body, osteochondral nodules and intervertebral disc protrusion. The herniated and fragmented disc tissue should be removed with partially protruding osteochondral nodules. Intervertebral disc cyst is of uncertain pathogenesis and is characterized by a cyst that communicates with the disc. Resection of the cyst under microscopic or endoscopic control can achieve good results; and whether the affected disc needs to be simultaneously resected is controversial. The new pathological classification proposed here is will aid better understanding of pathological changes and pathogenesis of lumbar disc protrusion and provides a reference for diagnosis and treatment.

Диференційовані комплекси фізичної реабілітації у молоді із патологією хребта

Purpose: identification and analysis of differentiated approaches to physical rehabilitation of students with spine pathology with different types of behavioral responses to stress – coping strategies. Material and Methods: a theoretical analysis, synthesis and special scientific-methodical literature, the analysis of experimental studies on animals and the results of physical rehabilitation students ‘ strategies in 76 students 19–20 years with neurological manifestations of vertebral osteochondrosis of 1 degree. Results: identified and analyzed the main features of rehabilitation measures among youth with spinal pathology (correction, massage therapy, kinesiotherapy) with different types of coping strategies. Conclusions: the proven effectiveness of differentiated application of physical rehabilitation on the basis of the definition of coping strategies among students with spine pathology.

Substantiation of physical rehabilitation system for students with spine pathology

The study of complex application of psychological and pedagogical correction, therapeutic massage and kinesiotherapy with the involvement of new technologies in a comprehensive physical rehabilitation of students with functional disorders of the spine and neurological manifestations of vertebral osteochondrosis of the first stage (67 patients) showed their high effectiveness in reducing pain syndrome, normalizing statodynamic functions of the vertebral column, improving the quality of life.

Vestibular Dysfunctions and Mental/Autonomic Disorders Related to Cerebral Ischemia against the Background of Cervical Osteochondrosis: Pathogenetically Oriented Correction

Our clinical and experimental observations allowed us to identify a few pathogenetic mechanisms of vestibular dysfunctions formed in chronic brain ischemia. In an experimental part of the study carried out on rats, we estimated the pathogenetic significance of vascular disorders within the vestibularbasilar basin resulting in modifications of motor and postural behavior, coordination of muscular activity, and psycho-emotional disorders; these changes demonstrated no positive dynamics in the course of the experiment. In the clinical part, vestibular dysfunctions observed against the background of osteochondrosis of the vertebral column were combined with autonomic dysfunctions and disorders of autonomic supply of the organism’s functions. Original pathonegetically oriented therapy of vestibular dysfunctions under conditions of chronic cerebral ischemia against the background of vertebral osteochondrosis allows physicians to significantly improve the general state of the patient, state of cerebral hemodynamics, autonomic status, postural control, control of locomotion, and also to smooth the accompanying psychoemotional effects.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CHARACTERIZATION OF VERTEBRAL ENDPLATE CHANGES IN THE DOG

Spinal MR images acquired from canine patients over a 7-year period were reviewed for the presence of vertebral endplate changes. Seventy-five dogs with 76 distinct lesions were identified. Presumptive diagnoses fell into five categories: reactive endplate changes (10 dogs/13.2%), discospondylitis (29 dogs/38.2%), vertebral osteochondrosis (7 dogs/9.2%), intravertebral disc herniation (Schmorl's nodes) (4 dogs/5.3%), and fatty infiltration (26 dogs/34.2%). Fatty infiltration occurred significantly more often in small breed dogs (P < 0.001) and tended to be multifocal. The following features were observed in discospondylitis as well as in other nonfatty endplate pathologies: irregular endplates, endplate hyperintensity in T2w or STIR images, reduced endplate signal intensity in T1w SE, variable T1w GRE signal intensity, and endplate contrast enhancement. Overlap between MR characteristics of nonfatty endplate changes should prompt cautious evaluation of adjacent structures.

Adult Scheuermann’s disease as cause of mechanic dorsalgia

Scheuermann's disease (SD) or vertebral osteochondrosis is the most frequent cause of non postural kyphosis and one of more frequent cause of adolescent's dorsalgia. The criteria for the diagnosis are: more than 5 degrees of wedging of at least three adjacent vertebrae at the apex of the kyphosis; a toracic kyphosis of more than 45 of Cobb's degree; Schmorl's nodes and endplates irregularities. In addition to classic SD, there are radiological alterations that remain asymptomatic for a long time to reveal in adult age: in that case it speaks of adult Scheuermann's disease (ASD). We considered the diagnosis of patients came from April 2006 to April 2007 on Day Hospital in our Clinic. ASD was diagnosed, besides, in 10 of these patients. 7 patients had previous diagnosis such as: dorsal Spondiloarthrosis (4 subjects); Osteoporosis with vertebral fractures (3 subjects). All these diagnosis was not confirmed by us. In case of chronic dorsalgia of adult, ASD is rarely considered as differential diagnosis. Besides, the vertebral dorsalgia, even in absence of red flags as fever, asthenia,hypersedimetry, functional loss and aching spinal processes to tapping, could hide a serious scene that lead us to be careful in the differential diagnosis, because of similar radiological pictures of the MSA to other pathology as spondylodiscitis, primitive or metastasic spinal tumors, and brittleness vertebral fractures.

RADIOGRAPHIC AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN DEGENERATIVE DISC OF THE LUMAR SPINE

Objective: This study was conducted to describe the patterns of radiographic and MRI changes in subjects with degenerative disc of the lumbar spine. Materials and Method: a cross-sectional study was done in a sample of 212 individuals who had been diagnosed degenerative disc on MRI sagittal T2 FSE. The degree of degeneration was classified into 5 grades according to Pfirrmann’s classification. All individuals underwent clinical examination, lumbar conventional radiograph and lumbar MRI using 0.23T Open MRI system. Peridiscal lesions such as discal herniation, thecal sac compression, canal stenosis, vertebral osteochondrosis, Modic change and Schmorl’s node were also included in this study. Results: The result showed the proportion of subjects with lumbar disc degeneration by age. The rate was highest in the age group ³ 50 (45.4%) and lowest in the age group &lt;30 (12.7%). There was no significant difference between male and female (χ2 = 2,42; p=0,12). The most common finding of lumbar radiograph was osteophytes (77.4%; p&lt;0.001). There was a correlation between age, osteophytes, disc space narrowing with the degree of degeneration. Cut-off value for age was estimated &gt; 47 (Se=73.4%, Sp=76.1%) with area under ROC curve was 0.806. The most usually affected level was found to be L4-L5 (31.8%). Most of degenerated disc were classifies as grade III (59.5%). Subjects with 1 or 2 degenerative levels made the definitely higher rate compared to 4 or 5 levels. Common peridiscal lesions were disc herniation, canal stenosis, thecal sac compression, vertebral osteochodrosis, Modic change and Schmorl’s node (respectively). Conclusion: The prevalent rate and degree of disc degeneration increased by age meaning that age is risk factor for disc degeneration. Lumbar radiograph and MRI are useful in the evaluation of degenerative disc disease. Key words: lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, magnetic resonance imaging.

Opacity and Lucency Sign of the Seventh Lumbar Vertebra in Dogs

A curvilinear opacity of the seventh vertebral arch and an adjacent focal lucency of the seventh lumbar vertebral body were incidentally noted in routine radiographs. The aim of this study was to analyze this radiographic absorption pattern using a sample of 51 dogs. Images of the bony surface of three macerated lumbosacral junctions were compared to their laterolateral radiographs and computed tomographic (CT) scans. Additional 48 lateral radiographic projections were reviewed for presence or absence of L7 opacity and lucency, length of the L6 and L7 vertebral bodies, vertebral disc disease, osteochondrosis, or spondylosis. Retrieved data were compiled and statistically analyzed. Radiographs and CT scans of the macerated bones revealed that the L7 pedicle had thickened layers of compact bone and the adjacent vertebral notch varying depth and extension. Superimposition of the pedicle on the vertebral body resulted in a curvilinear opacity (L7 opacity), the vertebral notch caused the focal lucency (L7 lucency). These findings were present in 69% of the reviewed radiographs and were found to be significantly associated with L6-L7 length ratios of less than 0.86 (P = 0.003). It is hypothesized that the changes correspond with normal anatomic morphology of the seventh lumbar vertebra plus adaptive bone remodelling. The importance of this study is that it could help avoid misinterpretation of this appearance as a pathologic condition.