Abstract
The basis of this study contains x-ray images from 16396 men and women aged 50 to 85 years, which were performed in the framework of the European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (EVOS) in 19 European countries.
14472 cases were evaluated in the study. The evaluation of the remaining x-ray images was not possible because of insufficient quality of the images.
The x-ray images of the lateral thoracic and lumbar spine were performed in left side position according to standard protocol. The x-ray images were judged visual according to the radiological signs of Scheuermann`s disease. The wedged vertebrae were already measured in the Osteoporosis Study.
The following signs of Scheuermann´s disease were diagnosed: increased kyphosis of the thoracic spine, Schmorl´s node, irregular vertebral endplates, Edgren-Vaino sign, decreased intervertebral space and wedged vertebrae. This signs were examined according to the frequency of their appearance and their localization in the spine.
Furthermore, the grade of degenerative changes according to Kellgren was evaluated.
Scheuermann´s disease was defined if three of this six radiological signs occur. Important was the distribution of the signs of Scheuermann´s disease. The frequent combination of increased kyphosis of the thoracic spine, decreased intervertebral space and wedged vertebrae was not sufficient for the diagnosis of Scheuermann´s disease.
Decisive for the diagnosis of Scheuermann´s disease was the presence of Schmorl´s node and irregular vertebral endplates in combination with the other described symptoms.
The Edgren-Vaino sign as pathogonomic sign alone-defined Scheuermann´s disease.
The prevalence of Scheuermann´s disease in Europe is 6,8% in men and 6,9% in women.
The signs of Scheuermann´s disease are most frequently located in the mid part of the thoracic spine. An increased kyphosis of the thoracic spine was found in 47,6% for men and 50,6% women.
Degenerative changes grade 0-4 for men and women was mostly presented by grade 2-3, men had a stronger dominance for degenerative changes.
A comparison with the results of other studies is only restricted possible.
The reasons are different methods of investigation, and different size and kind of population.
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