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Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
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A systematic review evaluating the association of atherosclerosis and lumbar degenerative disc disease

Wensen Li1, Niek Djuric1, Carmen L A Vleggeert-Lankamp1,2

  • 1Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Centre & Haaglanden MC & Haga Teaching Hospital, Leiden, the Netherlands.

Brain & Spine
|October 11, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Vascular health, including abdominal aortic calcification and lipid profiles, is linked to lumbar disc degeneration and associated low back pain. Poor blood supply may contribute to spinal degeneration and symptoms, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Low back pain (LBP) and sciatica are frequently linked to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and disc degeneration (DD).
  • Emerging research suggests a connection between vascular health markers like abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and systemic lipid profiles with spinal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the associations between AAC, lipid profiles, lumbar Modic Changes (MC), DD/LDH, and the incidence of LBP or sciatica.
  • To synthesize current evidence on the relationship between vascular health and lumbar spine pathology.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases up to August 2023.
  • Studies were selected based on predefined criteria and assessed for bias using an adapted Cochrane checklist.
  • Included studies focused on the relationship between AAC or lipid status and DD/LDH and/or LBP/Sciatica.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-seven studies were included in the analysis.
  • Four studies indicated a positive association between AAC/lumbar artery stenosis and LBP/sciatica.
  • Seven studies found a positive association between AAC and DD/LDH, while eight linked lipid status to DD/LDH.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence supports the role of compromised blood supply in disc degeneration, inflammation, and LBP.
  • Both local vascular factors and systemic lipid profiles appear to influence lumbar degeneration.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate these relationships and inform preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
Aortic calcificationDisc degenerationLipidsLow back painSciatica

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