The association between radiographic features in patients with lumbar spine degenerative changes and body mass index; a preliminary stereological study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between radiographic features (osteophytes, disc space narrowing) in patients with lumbar spine degenerative changes and body mass index (BMI), with quantitative methods. Material and Method: One-hundred and three women with lumbar spine degenerative changes who had lower back pain were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their BMI. Pain and functional status of patients were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ), respectively. The size of osteophytes and disc space narrowing were calculated on lateral roentgenogram of the lumbar vertebrae by using computer based stereological methods. Results: No significant correlation was detected between the BMI and radiological findings. But, there was a positive correlation between the osteophyte surface area and RMQ, and VAS and RMQ (p<0.05). Conclusion: No significant correlation was detected between the BMI and radiographic findings in lumbar spine degenerative changes. To our knowledge, this is the first study quantitatively assessing the association between radiographic findings and BMI in lumbar spine degenerative changes.