Analysis of the association between lumbar paraspinal muscle atrophy, facet joint degeneration, and degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between paraspinal muscle atrophy, facet joint degeneration, and degenerative scoliosis (DS).
METHODS: A retrospective study included 231 chronic low back pain patients from Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University (January 2023-January 2024). Radiographic diagnosis assigned 150 patients to DS group (subclassified into mild [n = 72], moderate [n = 56], severe [n = 22]) and 81 to non-DS control group. Using T2-weighted MRI at L3-S1 levels, ImageJ software measured multifidus (MF) and erector spinae (ES) cross-sectional area (CSA) and functional muscle ratio (LCSA/GCSA). Surgimap software quantified facet joint angle (FJA), facet overhang (FO) length, and facet joint space width (FJSW). Logistic regression analyzed risk factors with ROC curves determining diagnostic thresholds.
RESULTS: The non-DS group demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of males (P = 0.023) and greater bone mineral density (P = 0.043) compared to the DS group. Regarding paraspinal muscle parameters, the non-DS group exhibited significantly larger MF CSA, MF + ES CSA, and LCSA/GCSA at the L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 levels, as well as a larger ES CSA at the L3/4 level (all P < 0.05). Conversely, the ES CSA at the L5/S1 level was significantly smaller in the non-DS group. For facet joint parameters, the non-DS group showed significantly smaller FJA, FO Length at the L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 levels, and smaller FJSW at the L3/4 and L4/5 levels (all P < 0.05).…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 150 participants or records.
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