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Author(s): Nardo, Lorenzo; Lane, Nancy E; Parimi, Neeta; Cawthon, Peggy M; Fan, Bo; Shepherd, John; Cauley, Jane; Zucker-Levin, Audrey; Murphy, Rachel A; Katzman, Wendy B | Abstract: Study designA descriptive study of the association between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and kyphosis.ObjectiveTo investigate the association of DISH with Cobb angle of kyphosis in a large cohort of older subjects from the Health Aging and Body Composition Study.Summary of background dataDISH and thoracic kyphosis are well-defined radiographical findings in spines of older individuals. Characteristics of DISH (ossifications between vertebral segments) reflect changes of spine anatomy and physiology that may be associated with Cobb angle of kyphosis.MethodsUsing data from 1172 subjects aged 70 to 79 years, we measured DISH and Cobb angle of kyphosis from computed tomographic lateral scout scans. Characteristics of participants with and without DISH were assessed using the χ² and t tests. Association between DISH and Cobb angle was analyzed using linear regression. Cobb angle and DISH relationship was assessed at different spine levels (thoracic and lumbar).ResultsDISH was identified on computed tomographic scout scan in 152 subjects with 101 cases in only the thoracic spine and 51 in both thoracic and lumbar spine segments. The mean Cobb angle of kyphosis in the analytic sample was 31.3° (standard deviation = 11.2). The presence of DISH was associated with a greater Cobb angle of 9.1° and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (5.6-12.6) among African Americans and a Cobb angle of 2.9° and 95% CI (0.5-5.2) among Caucasians compared with those with no DISH. DISH in the thoracic spine alone was associated with a greater Cobb angle of 10.6° and 95% CI (6.5-14.7) in African Americans and a Cobb angle of 3.8° and 95% CI (1.0-6.5) in Caucasians compared with those with no DISH.ConclusionDISH is associated with greater Cobb angle of kyphosis, especially when present in the thoracic spine alone. The association of DISH with Cobb angle is stronger within the African American population.

Connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, are comprised of varying amounts of collagen, elastin, and ground substance. It is conceivable to develop a microstructural material model based on the volume fraction and orientation of each constituent, and their interactions.Copyright © 2008 by ASME

The similar proximal and distal attachments to the stereom of primary spine ligament in the echinoid Eucidaris tribuloides are described, from thin sections and SEM studies on frozen and fractured spine articulations and ligaments from decalcified material. The orthogonal structure of the general stereom is modified on the attachment zones where bundles of collagen cylinders enter approximately hexagonally arranged channels. Straps of collagen extend in parallel series between adjacent bundles via regularly placed ports and collagen loops rather than non-striated 'tendons' pass over skeletal trabeculae. The regular pattern of collagen straps is most evident on the proximal and distal attachment zones. Mechanical features of the non-adhesive mode of attachment are considered, together with similarities and differences between insertion of muscle cells and mutable collagenous tissue (ligament) in echinoderms.

INTRODUCTION Spinal ligaments are important for stabilization and motion during normal spine function. Because of the morbidity associated with spine ligament injury, it is important to ascertain the material properties of spinal ligaments. The Center for Applied Biomechanics has performed extensive mechanical testing on spinal soft tissues [1-3]. The objective of this study is to investigate spinal leveldependency on spine ligament viscoelasticity.