Recent articles from Spine journal

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Videman, Tapio MD; Battie, Michele C.; Parent, Eric; Gibbons, Laura E.; Vainio, Pauli; Kaprio, Jaakko
Progression and Determinants of Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures of Lumbar Disc Degeneration: A Five-Year Follow-up of Adult Male Monozygotic Twins
Publish Ahead of Print, POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 9 May 2008
Abstract
Study Design. A longitudinal study.Objective. Our goal was to explore the role of digital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, by extending our earlier 5-year follow-up study of progression of lumbar spine degeneration with quantitative measures of disc degeneration.Summary of Background Data. A longitudinal study is optimal for investigating disc degeneration but only a few studies (with small sample sizes) or short follow-up studies include repeated MRI data.Methods. Subjects consisted of 134 male monozygotic twins (age 35-69 years). Quantitative MRI measures included changes in disc bulging and height. Inter-rater reliability coefficients were between 0.77 and 0.96. At baseline and follow-up, an extensive interview about exposures to suspected determinants was conducted.Results. Reduction in disc height and increases in bulges (worsening) were seen in 2/3 of subjects. The mean reduction in disc height was 2.2% to 3.6%. A mean increase in bulging of 7% to 10% was found in the L1-L4 discs and 4% in L4-S1 discs. Although the mean changes were small, few reverse changes were observed. Familial aggregation, a proxy for genetic influences, explained 17% of changes in disc height, and 11% and 0% of changes in the sizes of anterior and posterior bulges in the regression models. Higher maximal occupational lifting (AR2 = 4.9%) and smoking (AR2 = 3.5%) during follow-up predicted more disc height reduction. Greater increases in bulging (AR2 = 7.4%-10.2%) were predicted by smaller bulges at baseline.Conclusion. The mean annual changes in disc heights (<1%)>

Kanayama, Masahiro; Togawa, Daisuke; Terai, Tomoya; Hashimoto, Tomoyuki et al
RISK FACTORS FOR LUMBAR DISC DEGENERATION: AN MRI ANALYSIS OF 130 HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS. [Abstract]
Spine. (Supplement 2008 Meeting Abstracts):101, August 2008.

Davis, Rick
ROUTINE DYNAMIC IMAGING FOR EVALUATING DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR STENOSIS: INCIDENCE OF DEGENERATIVE SPONDYLOLISTHESIS MISSED ON SUPINE MRI.[Abstract]
Spine. (Supplement 2008 Meeting Abstracts):6, August 2008.