Objective: To investigate whether lumbar segmental lordosis (LSL) are related to degree of lumbar disc degeneration
Methods: A total of 198 farmers from Gangwon-do, South Korea were recruited. Each lumbar segment from L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1 was evaluated for lordosis angle and disc degeneration. We measured LSL angle using Cobb’s method from lateral spine radiograph. Using MRI, the grade of lumbar intervertebral discs degeneration was assessed according to the Pfirrmann classification (range: 1 to 5). Linear regression analysis was conducted between lordosis angle and disc degeneration in each lumbar segment.
Results: Mean age was 56.7±7.8 years and 48.5% was male. Mean value of intervertebral disc degeneration was 2.3 for the L2/L3 level, 2.5 for L3/L4, 2.9 for L4/L5, and 2.8 for L5/S1 respectively. LSL angle was 5.7, 9.1, 12.7, and 20.2 degree from L2/3 to L5/S1. There was a negative correlation between the grade of lumbar disc degeneration and LSL angle (B= -0.895, R=.217 for L2/L3; B= -0.949, R=.226 for L3/L4; B=-1.271, R=.229 for L4/L5; B= -2.238, R=.403 for L5/S1).
Conclusions: As the degenerative change was severe, the lumbar lordotic angle was decreased. Those negative relationships were seen at all levels from L2/L3 to L5/S1. |
