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Lumbar Disk Degeneration in Female Patients with and without Ovariectomy: A Case-Control Study
Yachao Zhao1, Haidong Wang1, Zhaohui Li1
1Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Province, P. R. China.
World Neurosurgery
|September 27, 2021
Summary
Ovariectomy (OVX) may contribute to lumbar disk degeneration over time. This study found higher degeneration scores in OVX patients, particularly after bilateral procedures, suggesting a long-term impact.
Area of Science:
- Spine research
- Degenerative diseases
- Surgical outcomes
Background:
- Ovariectomy (OVX) is a surgical procedure that may influence various physiological processes.
- Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause of lower back pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical evidence linking ovariectomy to the progression of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.
- To compare disc degeneration severity in patients with and without a history of OVX.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of OVX patients with lower back pain and age-matched controls without OVX.
- Comparison of demographic data, including duration of OVX, smoking, and comorbidities.
- Assessment of lumbar disc degeneration using the modified Pfirrmann grading system.
Main Results:
- No significant demographic differences between OVX and control groups.
- OVX groups showed higher Pfirrmann scores at all lumbar levels compared to controls.
- Bilateral OVX correlated with more severe degeneration at lower lumbar levels (L3/4 to L5/S1).
Conclusions:
- Ovariectomy appears to contribute to lumbar disc degeneration, indicating a potential long-term effect.
- The severity of degeneration may be influenced by the extent of OVX (unilateral vs. bilateral).
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