Early intervertebral disc degeneration changes in asymptomatic weightlifters assessed by t1ρ-magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract

Case-control study. To evaluate early intervertebral disc degeneration quantified by T1ρ- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in asymptomatic weightlifters compared with a healthy control group matched for sex and age. Athletes consistently recruit or transfer high levels of repetitive forces through the spine, and MRI has documented a higher rate of intervertebral disc degeneration in athletes compared with matched controls. This study aims to analyze the potential role of T1ρ-MRI in the assessment of early degenerative changes occurring in intervertebral discs of young asymptomatic weightlifters compared with healthy controls. Twenty-six asymptomatic young male weightlifters versus a sedentary control group matched for age and sex, both having no lower back pain nor any spinal symptoms, underwent MRI (1.5 T). Degenerative grade was assessed using T2-weighted images, according to the Pfirrmann scale. T1ρ mapping and values in the nucleus pulposus (n=130) were obtained. Differences in T1ρ value between among the groups and linear regression analyses with degenerative grade were determined. Pfirrmann degenerative grade did not show significant differences among groups. Instead, T1ρ values were significantly lower in the lumbar spine of weightlifters compared with controls (P<0.05). T1ρ values decreased linearly with degenerative grade. T1ρ values were significantly lower in athletes compared with a sedentary matched control group showing differences in intervertebral disc degeneration onset among individuals with lifestyle and environmental factors leading to back pain. T1ρ can be potentially used as a valid clinical tool to identify early changes in intervertebral disc on the verge of new emerging intervertebral discs regenerative strategies and treatments. 4.