ArticleBMC musculoskeletal disorders2025
Age- and sex-related differences in lumbar disc degeneration and multifidus muscle atrophy: a retrospective MRI study of 238 patients with chronic low back pain.
Article in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Electromyogram diagnosed chronic lumbar radiculopathy is highly associated with L4-S1 regional multifidus atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging.BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundWhile chronic low back pain (CLBP) is mechanistically linked to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and multifidus muscle atrophy, the trajectory of these degenerative processes across aging populations remains poorly defined. Notably, sex-specific patterns and progression in elderly subgroups (≥ 80 years) require systematic characterization. Given the unclear age-related trajectory of these degenerative processes and the need for systematic clarification of sex-specific patterns and progression in elderly subgroups, this study aims to elucidate age- and sex-dependent relationships between disc degeneration and multifidus degeneration in a broad age spectrum of CLBP patients.
methodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed indicators related to disc and multifidus degeneration in lumbar MRI data from 238 CLBP patients (20–99 years, 50.42% female). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle and fat infiltration ratio at the L3-L5 levels were quantified using semi-automated segmentation software (SlicerOmatic 5.0). Disc degeneration was assessed using the Griffith-modified Pfirrmann grading system. Age-stratified analyses included four subgroups: 20–39, 40–59, 60–79, and 80–99 years. Spearman correlation and ANOVA were applied to assess associations
resultsPfirrmann grades negatively correlated with multifidus CSA (r=-0.208 to -0.28, P < 0.01) and positively with fat infiltration ratio (r = 0.396–0.478, P < 0.01). Age exacerbated both disc and multifidus degeneration (P < 0.01), with the 80–99 years group showing the highest fat infiltration ratio (35.56%-52.08%). Males had larger CSA but lower fat infiltration ratio than females (P < 0.01).
conclusionDisc degeneration and multifidus atrophy are interdependent and influenced by aging and sex. Fat infiltration ratio may serve as a prognostic marker for personalized rehabilitation.
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