Prevalence of Degenerative Imaging Findings in Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Imaging Among Young Adults

• DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181ac5fec
• Publication Date: 2009-07-10T07:32:23Z
• Authors: Jani Takatalo; Jaro Karppinen; Jaakko Niinimäki; Simo Taimela; Simo Näyhä; Marjo-Riitta Järv...; Eero Kyllönen; Osmo Tervonen
• Keywords: Male; Lumbar Vertebrae; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; 3. Good health; Cohort Studies; Radiography; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; 0302 clinical medicine; 5. Gender equality; Prevalence; Humans; Female; Spinal Diseases; Intervertebral Disc; Finland; Intervertebral Disc Displacement

In Brief Study Design. A cross-sectional imaging study of young adults. Objective. To investigate the prevalence disc degeneration (DD) and displacement, anular tears, Modic changes in lumbar magnetic resonance (MRI) among Summary Background Data. Although low back pain adulthood is common, spinal MRI findings at this age remains virtually unknown. Methods. The population was a subcohort Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Subjects living within 100 km Oulu (n = 874) were invited to participate 20 22 years (mean: 21.2 years). Degree DD, type changes, presence bulges, herniations, high intensity zone (HIZ) lesions, radial tears all levels assessed. Results. Three hundred twenty-five women 233 men 558) attended MR imaging. DD significantly more frequent (54% vs. 42%, P 0.005), as multiple (21% 14%, 0.036). prevalences bulges 25% 9.1%, respectively, without gender differences. HIZ lesions common than (8.6% 4.3%, 0.046), whereas herniations (5.6% 2.5%, 0.047). Only 2 extrusions observed, one each gender. All degenerative L5–S1 level except which most likely L4–L5. 1.4%, difference, I being II. Typically, located adjacent Grade 4 lowest levels. Conclusion. Almost half Finnish adult aged 21 had least degenerated disc, quarter bulging disc. were, however, relatively rare. We found be spine 21-year-old man, rare age. significant difference observed degeneration, lesions.