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A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Published on: February 14, 2021
Association between disc degeneration and degenerative spondylolisthesis? Pilot study
Leonid Kalichman1, David J Hunter, David H Kim
1Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA. kalihman@zahav.net.il
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
|December 22, 2009
Summary
This study found that disc degeneration does not always precede degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). Facet joint osteoarthritis, age, and sex were associated with DS, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Spine Research
- Degenerative Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is a common spinal condition.
- The prevailing hypothesis suggests intervertebral disc degeneration is a prerequisite for DS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intervertebral disc degeneration and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).
- To test the hypothesis that disc degeneration must precede DS.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study analyzing CT scans of 188 participants (aged 40-80).
- Evaluated prevalence of disc narrowing, facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA), and DS.
- Used multiple logistic regression to assess associations between DS and FJOA, disc narrowing, age, sex, and BMI.
Main Results:
- 23 individuals (24 spinal segments) had DS.
- Severe FJOA was present in 83.3% of segments with DS.
- Disc degeneration was absent or mild in 37.5% of segments with DS.
- Age, sex, and FJOA were significantly associated with DS, but disc narrowing was not.
Conclusions:
- The study's findings do not support the theory that disc degeneration is a necessary precursor to DS.
- Facet joint osteoarthritis is significantly associated with DS, independent of disc degeneration.
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