Osteoporosis in adjacent cervical segments exacerbates disc herniation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• The relationship between osteoporosis and cervical disc herniation (CDH) is not well-established due to limited clinical and biomechanical data.
• Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone density, may affect spinal structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between osteoporosis, assessed by Hounsfield Unit (HU) values, and the occurrence of cervical disc herniation.
• To evaluate the biomechanical impact of reduced bone density on cervical spine segments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 933 patients, comparing clinical parameters and C5-C6 vertebral body HU values.
• Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression to identify risk factors for C5 disc herniation.
• Finite element modeling to simulate the biomechanical effects of decreased bone density.

Main Results:

• Decreased C5 and C6 vertebral body HU values were independently associated with an increased risk of C5 disc herniation.
• Logistic regression revealed significant correlations (P < 0.05) between lower HU values and CDH.
• Finite element analysis demonstrated increased disc stress and displacement in simulated reduced bone density conditions.

Conclusions:

• Reduced bone mineral density, as indicated by lower HU values in cervical vertebrae, is a significant risk factor for cervical disc herniation.
• Osteoporosis in adjacent cervical segments can compromise disc stability, increasing herniation risk.