Affiliations: [a] National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2nd Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine Section, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Athens, Greece | [b] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Athens, Greece | [c] National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3rd Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, “KAT” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Maria Kallergi, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, 28 Ag.Spiridona St., Athens 12243, Greece. Tel.: +30 210 5385531; E-mail: kallergi@teiath.gr
Abstract: Background and Objectives:Bone scintigraphy is a molecular imaging technique routinely used for the evaluation of benign and malignant bone abnormalities. This study aimed at evaluating spinal degenerative changes detected by bone scintigraphy and determining associations between image features and patients’ anthropometric and demographic variables. Material and Method:In a cross-sectional study, 64 men and 52 women underwent bone scintigraphy. Experts identified all image regions suggesting degenerative joint disease (DJD) and classified region intensity on a 3-point scale. Image characteristics were correlated to the patients’ body mass index (BMI), age, weight, height, activity level, and sex. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and association coefficients. Results:DJD was found in 53 patients (46%). In men, there was weak but statistically significant correlation between DJD and activity level, and DJD and age, but not BMI or weight. In women, only a weak, not statistically significant, linear correlation was found between DJD and BMI, and DJD and weight. Conclusion:Molecular imaging with bone scintigraphy showed that spinal degenerations are associated with different anthropometric and demographic features in men and women. Interestingly, no association was found between DJD and increased body weight in men while a weak association may exist in women. The results prompt for additional studies to better determine the risk factors for DJD and low back pain in male and female patients. Level of Evidence:Diagnostic study, Level II (retrospective study).
Keywords: Bone scintigraphy, molecular imaging, spinal degeneration, weight, low back pain, body mass index, musculoskeletal disorder
