Surgically treated degenerative disk disease in twins.
Lilla Szigethy1, Freyr Gauti Sigmundsson1,2, Anders Joelson3
1Department of Orthopedics, Orebro University Hospital, 70185, Orebro, Sweden.
Summary
Genetic factors appear to play a minor role in degenerative disc disease (DDD) requiring surgery. This study found no evidence of genetic predisposition for surgically treated DDD in twin pairs.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition.
- Previous research suggests a genetic component in DDD development.
- Concordance rates for surgically treated DDD phenotypes remain unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the concordance rates for degenerative disc disease (DDD) requiring surgical intervention.
- To investigate the role of genetic factors in surgically treated DDD using twin studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Swedish spine register (Swespine) and Swedish twin registry (STR).
- Identified 121 twin pairs (37 monozygotic, 84 dizygotic) operated for DDD between 1996 and 2022.
- Calculated pairwise and probandwise concordance rates for surgically treated DDD.
Main Results:
- No concordant monozygotic (MZ) or dizygotic (DZ) pairs were found where both twins underwent surgery for DDD.
- Two concordant MZ pairs and two concordant DZ pairs were identified when considering at least one twin operated for DDD (including spinal stenosis and disc herniation).
- The overall twin incidence for operated DDD was 1.1%.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors are likely not a primary cause for most cases of degenerative disc disease requiring surgery.
- Findings can inform patient counseling regarding the risk of requiring DDD surgery.
- Further research may explore non-genetic factors influencing DDD progression to surgical necessity.
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