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Imaging features of the aging spine.
Krzysztof Wocial1, Beata A Feldman1, Bartosz Mruk2
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Gruca Teaching Hospital, Medical Center of Postgraduate Education, Otwock, Poland.
Polish Journal of Radiology
|July 29, 2021
Summary
Spine imaging often shows age-related changes, not necessarily symptoms. Understanding these common, asymptomatic findings is key to distinguishing normal aging from pathology in patients.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Spine imaging reveals numerous degenerative abnormalities.
- Not all observed degenerative changes correlate with patient symptoms.
- Distinguishing age-related changes from pathology is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review imaging features of the spine in asymptomatic individuals across various age groups.
- To characterize the standard, asymptomatic aging process of the spine.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of studies focusing on asymptomatic populations.
- Analysis of imaging features in different age cohorts.
Main Results:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration, bulging, and facet joint arthropathy are prevalent (approx. 90%) in asymptomatic individuals over 60.
- Anterior and lateral vertebral osteophytes are nearly universal after age 40; posterior osteophytes are less common.
- Vertebral bone marrow fat increases with age, accelerating post-menopause in women.
Conclusions:
- Prevalence of these imaging findings is high in asymptomatic populations and age-dependent.
- Differentiating normal age-related spinal changes from pathological conditions is essential for accurate clinical diagnosis.
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