GENDER CHARACTERISTICS OF SPINO-PELVIC PARAMETERS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE OF LUMBAR SPINE

Introduction: Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common reason for low back pain in a physical active population. The shape of the spine, especially reduction of lordosis, may have an important role in ethiology of lumbar disc degeneration. The aim of this study is to assess is there any differences within genders when evaluate lumbar spine and pelvic parameters in patients with a DDD. Materials and Methods: A prospective survey has been conducted in the Spine surgery department of Civil Hospital in Strasbourg (Service du Rachise, L'Hopital Civil, Strasbourg, France) during the period between January 1th, 2005 and December 31st, 2008. We have analyzed x rays and spino-pelvic parameters of 63 patients among of 80 patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of lumbar spine in which total disc arthroplasty (TDA) have been performed at one level. Standing lateral full spine x rays has been done before surgery and at final follow-up 3 years later. Following parameters were analyzed: lumbar lordosis (L1-S1), intervertebral angle, anterior and posterior disc height, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence. Results : Mean follow-up time was 44 months. 45 females and 18 males patients with a mean age of 41,38 year were evaluated. The preoperative values of lumbar lordosis and sacral slope was significantly higher in a females with a DDD at L4-L5 segment. The same result has been seen and after the surgery. There have not been statistical differences these values between genders with DDD at L5-S1 segment, nor preoperatively, nor postoperatively. Conclusion : Although reduction of lordosis is pointed out as an important role for DDD we have not found that in our study that may suggest that DDD has complex etiology.