A distinct wedge-shaped deformity of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in Lumbar Disc Degeneraion Patients

Abstract

Abstract Purpose. To determine how the shape of vertebral in thoracolumbar zoon may be associated with spine saggital balance and upper lumbar disc degeneration(ULDD). Methods. Assessed the imaging of 58 patients who underwent operation at The Tenth People’s Hospital of Shanghai. MRI, CT and plain radiographs of the lumbar spine were evaluated. Vertebral deformities on plain radiographs were identified by wedge-shaped vertebral (WSV, wedge-shaped angle>5). These deformities were assessed for association with saggital balance alignment and ULDD. Results. Cervical lordosis (CL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) in thoracolumbar wedge-shaped vertebral (TLWSV) group were significantly greater than none wedged-shaped vertebral (NWSV) group (p<0.05). Besides, the upper lumbar disc Pfirrmann grades is also significantly greater in TLWSV group. However, sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI), C7 plumb line and T10 plumb line was similar between TLWSV group and NWSV group (P >0.05), which might is related with the compensation mechanism of spine. Conclusion. This is the first study to examine WSV on plain radiographs of the lumbar spine for saggital balance alignment and ULDD. Patients with WSV in thoracolumbar regeion reported worsening spine saggital alignment and ULDD. This highlights the relationship between WSV and spine saggital alignment and suggests WSV may accelerate ULDD. Level of Evidence: 3