European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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The specific radiological feature of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) is bone marrow oedema (BME) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the relationship between BME and back pain (BP) is unclear. We investigated the value of MRI in assessing BP and discussed the relevant mechanisms by tissue biopsy. ⋯ BME signals on MRI can accurately predict the degree of BP, and the main mechanisms are related to the stimulation of fibrous tissue.
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It's a long-held belief that Modic changes (MC) occur only in adults, with advanced age, and are highly associated with pain and adverse outcomes. The following study addressed the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical relevance of MC in young paediatric patients. ⋯ Contrary to traditional dogma, robust evidence now exists noting that MCs and their types can develop in children. Our findings give credence to the "Juvenile" variant of MCs, whereby its implications throughout the lifespan need to be assessed. Juvenile MCs have prolonged symptoms and related to specific structural spine phenotypes.
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The aim was to describe radiographic cervical sagittal alignment variations according to age, gender and pelvic incidence (PI) and to investigate relationships with thoracic alignment. ⋯ Cervical alignment parameters vary according to age, gender and PI. In the cranial cervical spine, changes occur mainly during growth. In the caudal cervical spine, lordosis increases in the caudal arch, which is related to thoracic kyphosis increase with age. The caudal cervical arch acts as a compensatory segment by progressive extension, allowing horizontal gaze.