0000000000266068
AUTHOR
Hannu Manninen
Disc degeneration and bone density in monozygotic twins discordant for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
The effects of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on bone density and connective tissue degeneration have theoretical interest and practical relevance. Several experimental studies in animals have demonstrated the harmful effects of insulin deficiency on connective tissues. However, clinical studies in humans have produced somewhat contradictory results, most likely due to difficulties controlling for general degeneration and factors associated with diabetes. In nine pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, we compared femoral and lumbar bone mineral density (assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and spinal degeneration (assessed by magnetic re…
Lifetime exercise and disk degeneration: an MRI study of monozygotic twins.
Participation in some competitive sports has been shown to increase disk degeneration; however, the long-term effects of recreational physical activities are unclear. We investigated the effects of endurance exercise and power sports on disk degeneration in monozygotic male twins with contrasting lifetime exercise histories. The effects of endurance exercise were studied in 22 discordant twin pairs (mean lifetime frequencies of 3.9 vs 1.1 times/wk), and the effects of power sports were investigated in 12 discordant pairs (2,300 vs 200 h of weightlifting). The age range of the twins was from 35 to 69 yr. No differences in MRI findings between co-twins discordant for endurance exercise were f…
Magnetic resonance imaging findings and their relationships in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Insights into the etiopathogenesis of spinal degeneration.
Study design Descriptive epidemiologic study about magnetic resonance imaging findings in the spine. Objectives To describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging findings in a general population at spinal levels T6-S1, and to examine the relationships of these findings within each spinal level and between levels. Summary of background data The prevalence of specific findings and the associations between findings and spinal levels can provide general insights into the etiopathogenesis of spinal degeneration. Methods Subjects consisted of 232 men from a population sample (mean age 49.3 years). Signal intensity, disc bulging, disc herniation, and endplate irregularities were among 11 fi…