[Hyperostotic spondylopathy and diabetes mellitus]

The Authors evaluated the prevalence of hyperostosis of the spine in 31 diabetic patients and in a control group of 32 non-diabetics. All of them underwent X-ray examination of the spine in the posteroanterior and lateral projections. Radiological signs of the disease were detected in 10 diabetics (32.25%) and in only 2 non-diabetics (6.25%). There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of the disease between insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent patients, between males and females. The Authors reviewed recent papers published on this subject and conclude that there is no clear explanation for this pathological process to occur. The hypothesis of increased GH secretion in diabetic patients did not find enough evidence but the disease is probably due to an abnormal synthesis of mucopolysaccharides.