title: [Influence of disc degeneration on the development of disc prolapse].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present clinical-radiological study examines retrospectively the relation between lumbar disc prolapse and degenerations like chondrosis and spondylosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Firstly the relation between disc prolapse and chondrosis was examined. 44 patients with disc prolapse and chondrosis in actual MRI scans in the same segment were recruited in our clinic. By regarding older MRI scans, we could find out which finding was first to occur. Concerning the second question, we followed patients with spondylosis to see if they could progress to a disc prolapse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 67% of our cases with disc prolapse and chondrosis, a chondrosis was seen before the disc prolapse. More than a half had had a spondylosis and a chondrosis in the same segment before the herniation. Only 33% of our cases showed a prolapse before chondrosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Concerning patients with disc prolapse and chondrosis in the same segment, chondrosis was seen before the herniation in most cases. Also patients with spondylosis progress to a herniation. A causal relation between both radiological findings is not possible. In a future study it must be analysed with statistical tests whether these results are generally valid.
authors.affiliation: Orthopädie, OZA München.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Linhardt
authors.affiliation: Orthopädie, Orthopädische Uniklinik Regensburg.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benditz
authors.affiliation: Orthopädie, Orthopädische Uniklinik Regensburg, Bad Abbach.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grifka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055013:Osteoarthritis, Spine / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055009:Spondylosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D013223:Statistics as Topic