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European Spine Journal

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Open Access 01-05-2014 | Original Article

The relationship of symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation and Scheuermann’s disease

Authors: Ning Liu, Zhongqiang Chen, Qiang Qi, Zefeng Shi

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 5/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Symptomatic disc herniations in the thoracolumbar spine between T10/11 and L1/2 can be collectively called thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH). The etiology of this disorder is unclear. However, it is interesting that we have noted numerous TLDH patients have radiographic features of another spinal disorder which is Scheuermann’s disease (SD). The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between symptomatic TLDH and SD in a symptomatic TLDH cohort.

Methods

A cohort of 63 patients with symptomatic TLDH, who had surgery was investigated. Incidences of associated SD and four radiographic signs of SD that were Schmorl’s node, irregular vertebral end plate, posterior bony avulsion of the vertebra and wedge-shaped vertebra, average thoracolumbar kyphotic angle and incidences of disc herniation at segments with and without radiographic signs of SD were examined. Data from the TLDH group were compared with 57 patients undergoing surgery for lower lumbar disc herniation (LDH, L3/4–L5/S1) in the same period.

Results

The incidences of the four radiographic signs of SD and the incidence of associated SD were all significantly higher in the TLDH group than in the LDH group. 95.2 % of the patients in the TLDH group were diagnosed with SD (either classical SD or its atypical form). The average thoracolumbar kyphotic angle of the TLDH group was 16.9°, while that of the LDH group was 7.6° (P = 0.000). In the TLDH group, the incidences of disc herniation at segments with radiographic signs of SD were all significantly higher than at segments where no sign of SD was found.

Conclusions

The high proportion of associated SD and the tendency of SD’s signs to promote disc herniation in symptomatic TLDH patients suggest a close relationship between these two disorders. Symptomatic TLDH should be seen as a truly different surgical entity, that is, a special form of SD rather than just an indicator of a failing back.

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Title: The relationship of symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation and Scheuermann’s disease
Authors: Ning Liu
Zhongqiang Chen
Qiang Qi
Zefeng Shi
Publication date: 01-05-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 5/2014
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-3108-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The relationship of symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation and Scheuermann’s disease

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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