Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: an epidemiological perspective: the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study.
METHODS
A cross-sectional epidemiological survey of 4151 participants of the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study.


OBJECTIVE
To identify prevalences and individual risk factors for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.


BACKGROUND
The Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study has registered health parameters since 1976. In 1993, standardized, lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine were recorded. There were 1533 men and 2618 women.


METHODS
Statistical correlations were made between degenerative spondylolisthesis, and physical, occupational, and general epidemiological data.


RESULTS
A total of 254 cases of lumbar slip were found (males 2.7%, females 8.4%). In females, no significant relationship between age at menopause or childbirths and the presence of degenerative spondylolisthesis were found. In women, relationships between body mass index (BMI) in 1976 and L4 olisthesis (P = 0.001), and between BMI in 1993 and both L4 and L5 olisthesis were found (L4: P = 0.003; L5: P = 0.006). Lumbar lordosis was associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis in women. Occupational exposures to daily lifting or smoking were not associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Degenerative spondylolisthesis was associated with increased age in both sexes (L4: P < 0.001; L5: P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
BMI longitudinally and at index evaluations, age, and angle of lordosis were significantly associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis in women. In men, no individual risk factors for degenerative spondylolisthesis were found, save increased age.
Jacobsen
Steffen
S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital of Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark. sjac@dadlnet.dk
Sonne-Holm
Stig
S
Rovsing
Hans
H
Monrad
Henrik
H
Gebuhr
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology