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Morphological and functional changes of the lumbar spinous processes in the elderly
1Istituto di Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica, Università di Padova, Italia.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Lumbar spinous processes develop bone spurs with aging, often linked to spondyloarthritis. These changes in spinal ligaments and bone structure are associated with reduced spinal flexibility and increased lumbar lordosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Gerontology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Morphological changes in lumbar spinous processes begin around age 40.
- These changes involve asymptomatic osseous appositions (spurs) visible radiologically.
- Spondyloarthritis is a consistent finding associated with these spinal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-related morphological changes in human lumbar spinous processes.
- To understand the histological basis of these spinal alterations.
- To explore the relationship between these changes, spinal flexibility, and lumbar lordosis.
Main Methods:
- Radiological examination of lumbar spinous processes.
- Histological analysis of spinal tissues.
- Correlation of findings with age and clinical conditions like spondyloarthritis.
Main Results:
- Osseous appositions on posterior edges of lumbar spinous processes increase with age.
- Histologically, calcified fibrocartilage at ligamentous/tendinous attachments is replaced by Haversian bone.
- In the elderly, this metaplasia affects a larger portion of the attachment sites compared to young adults.
Conclusions:
- Age-related changes in lumbar spinous processes are characterized by bone spur formation.
- Reduced vertebral column flexibility and increased lumbar lordosis likely contribute to these changes.
- Elongation of spinous processes may alter biomechanics, potentially affecting back muscles.