The relative roles of intragenic polymorphisms of the vitamin d receptor gene in lumbar spine degeneration and bone density.

Study Design. A retrospective cohort study. Objectives. To compare the magnitudes of the associations of TaqI polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene with bone density and lumbar spine degeneration in the same sample. Summary of Background Data. Vitamin D receptor gene variations are associated with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and disc degeneration. Their role in these conditions remains poorly understood. Methods. Bone density of the spine and femur were determined through DEXA, and lumbar disc degeneration was determined from magnetic resonance imaging assessments of signal intensity, disc narrowing, bulging, anular tears, herniations, and osteophytes. Associations between these me…