Imaging of Degenerative Disorders of the Spine

Abstract

Degenerative disease of the spine affects all humans. The consequences are disabling and can potentially become the major factor in an individual’s life. There is a definite genetic influence on the form and nature of degeneration and particular types are seen in family groups. There is evidence that patients with harder collagen tend to form spondylytic changes, whilst those with softer collagen are more likely to develop disc degeneration and intervertebral disc prolapse. Physical activity is a risk factor that may accelerate the onset of degenerative changes and therefore occupation has a significant influence. Smoking is also an accelerant of degenerative changes. Disc degeneration is particularly common and changes that are observed on imaging are almost universal in the adult population. Asymptomatic disc prolapse affects approximately three-quarters of the adult population and over 70% of adults have experienced an episode of low back pain. Root compression due to herniated intervertebral discs affects only 1% of the population (Fig. 1).