Does intervertebral disc height correlate with vertebral body T-scores in premenopausal and postmenopausal women?
The fracture group was noted to have the lowest intervertebral disc height and lowest T-scores compared with the other three groups. The hormone-treated and the premenopausal women had the highest disc heights and T-scores recorded. Positive correlations between T-score and disc height were noted for all the groups except for the fracture group. These results suggest a coupling between the vertebral body and intervertebral disc, which if disrupted may lead to increased risk for fracture. The combination of both T-score and disc height may improve the screening sensitivity for vertebral body fracture risk.
Our observations suggest a high intensity of sports activity during adolescence is associated with a substantial increase in the risk of cam-type impingement. These patients also may be at increased risk of subsequent development of secondary coxarthrosis.