Obesity and Calcification of the Ligaments of the Spine: a Comprehensive CT Analysis of the Entire Spine in a Random Trauma Population

Obesity, which is currently surging to epidemic levels within the United States, has been linked to hyperostotic conditions like DISH and OPLL. Excess adipose tissue and insulin-resistance may cause a systemic increase in serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and these signals can affect bone metabolism. Spinal ligaments and discs may have receptors for these signaling molecules. Anecdotal observations at this institution suggested that there is a clinically important subset of younger patients with obesity and multilevel stenosis in the presence of unusual calcification of the spinal ligaments that is distinct from DISH.
Source: The Spine Journal - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Clinical Study Source Type: research