Low occurrence of MRI spinal changes in elite climbing athletes; a cross-sectional study.

• To examine the occurrence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in the thoracolumbar spine among elite climbing athletes.All climbers of the Swedish national sport climbing team (n=8), and individuals having trained for selection to the national team (n=11), were prospectively included. A control group, matched in age and sex, were recruited. All participants underwent a thoracolumbar MRI (1.5T, T1- and T2-weighted imaging), evaluated according to Pfirrmann classification, modified Endplate defect score, Modic changes, apophyseal injuries and spondylolisthesis. Pfirrmann≥3, Endplate defect score≥2 and Modic≥1 was defined as degenerative findings.Fifteen individuals, 8 women, participated in both the climbing group (mean age 23.1, SD 3.2years) and the control group respectively (mean age 24.3, SD 1.5years). In the climbing group, 6.1% of the thoracic and 10.6% of the lumbar intervertebral discs showed signs of degeneration according to Pfirrmann. One disc with a grade above 3 was present. Modic changes in the thoracic/lumbar spine were prevalent in 1.7%/1.3% of the vertebrae. Degenerative endplate changes according to the Endplate defect score were found in 8.9% and 6.6% of the thoracic and lumbar spinal segments of the climbing group, respectively. Two apophyseal injuries were found, while no participants displayed signs of spondylolisthesis. There was no difference in point-prevalence of radiographic spinal changes between climbers and controls (0.07

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Back pain

Disc degeneration

Endplate; Lumbar spine

Magnetic resonance imaging

Rock-climbing

Thoracic spine

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)