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Age-Related Changes of the Spine

  • Chapter
Spinal Disorders

Abstract

Musculoskeletal impairments are prevalent and symptomatic health problems in individuals of middle and old age. Naturally, aging of an individual is accompanied by decreasing strength, pain and restricted movement. As a consequence, increasing age is concomitant with limited abilities for work and leisure activities Regular physical activities are important to maintain optimal mobility and general health. Age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system occur due to alteration in a multitude of tissues, such as bone and soft tissue including muscles, articular cartilage, intervertebral discs, tendons, ligaments and joint capsules [40]. In addition, a decrease in musculoskletal function increases probability and severity of soft tissue and skeletal damage due to trauma and also enhances the likelihood of complications during surgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopädie, Universitätsklinik Balgrist, Forchstr. 340, 8008, Zürich, Schweiz

    Atul Sukthankar

  2. Pathologisches Institut, Krankenhaus München-Bogenhausen, Englschalkinger Strasse 77, 81925, München, Deutschland

    Andreas G. Nerlich

  3. Universitätsklinik Balgrist, Zentrum für Wirbelsäulen- und Rückenmarkchirurgie, Universität Zürich, Porchstr. 340, 8008, Zürich, Schweiz

    Günther Paesold

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  1. Atul Sukthankar
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  2. Andreas G. Nerlich
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  3. Günther Paesold
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  1. Zentrum für Wirbelsäulen- und Rückenmarkchirurgie, Universität Zürich Universitätsklinik Balgrist, Forchstraße 340, 8008, Zürich, Switzerland

    Norbert Boos

  2. Institut für Evaluative Forschung in Orthopädischer Chirurgie MEM Forschungszentrum, Universität Bern, Stauffacherstraße 78, 3014, Bern, Switzerland

    Max Aebi

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Sukthankar, A., Nerlich, A.G., Paesold, G. (2008). Age-Related Changes of the Spine. In: Boos, N., Aebi, M. (eds) Spinal Disorders. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-69091-7_4

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