The Utah Population Database was examined to identify patients with a diagnosis of either lumbar disc herniation or lumbar disc degeneration. Genealogic data was also recorded.
The Genealogical Index of Familiarity, comparing the average relatedness of affected individuals, tested for 1,264 patients with lumbar disc disease showed a relatedness of p<0.001. The relative risk in relatives was significantly elevated in both first-degree and third-degree relatives.
Read the abstract for “Evidence for an Inherited Predisposition to Lumbar Disc Disease.”
Read other coverage on spine surgery studies:
– Study Finds Spine Surgeons Agree on When to Perform Surgery, Disagree on the Appropriate Procedure
– Study Examines Medicolegal Suits Associated With Cervical Spine Surgery
– Study: Unilateral Laminotomy Decreases Operative Times, Blood Loss
