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Skeletal Radiology

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01-09-2016 | Scientific Article

Assessment of trunk muscle density using CT and its association with degenerative disc and facet joint disease of the lumbar spine

Authors: Ronnie Sebro, Liam O’Brien, Martin Torriani, Miriam A. Bredella

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 9/2016

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the association of trunk muscle density assessed by computed tomography (CT) with age, gender, and BMI and (2) to evaluate the association between trunk muscle CT density and degenerative disc and facet joint disease of the lumbar spine.

Material and methods

The study was IRB approved and HIPAA compliant. The study group comprised 100 subjects (mean age 44.4 ± 22.2 years, 51 % male) who underwent CT of the abdomen and pelvis without intravenous contrast. Exclusion criteria included prior abdominal or spine surgery, active malignancy and scoliosis. CTs were reviewed and the attenuation of the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, internal and external obliques, psoas, multifidus, longissimus and gluteus maximus were measured bilaterally at consistent levels. Degenerative disc and bilateral facet joint disease were scored using established methods. Univariate analyses were performed using linear regression. Multivariate linear regression was performed to adjust for age, gender and BMI.

Results

CT density of each trunk muscle correlated inversely with age (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001). CT density of each trunk muscle correlated inversely with degenerative disc and facet joint disease in the univariate analyses (p < 0.001); however, only the gluteus maximus and the transverse abdominis remained significant predictors of degenerative disc and facet joint disease respectively in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Fatty infiltration of trunk musculature increases with age and BMI. Fatty infiltration of the gluteus maximus and transverse abdominis are associated with degenerative disc and facet joint disease, independent of age, gender and BMI.

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Title: Assessment of trunk muscle density using CT and its association with degenerative disc and facet joint disease of the lumbar spine
Authors: Ronnie Sebro
Liam O’Brien
Martin Torriani
Miriam A. Bredella
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Skeletal Radiology / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-016-2405-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Assessment of trunk muscle density using CT and its association with degenerative disc and facet joint disease of the lumbar spine

Abstract

Objective

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

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