Lumbar osteoarthritis

Lumbar osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative disc disease, is a condition that affects the joints and discs in the lower back. It is a common condition, that can cause a variety of symptoms such as low back pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.


Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of lumbar osteoarthritis is made through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies. During the physical exam, the doctor will evaluate the range of motion, strength, and sensitivity of the lower back.

Imaging studies, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans, can be used to visualize the extent of damage to the joints and discs in the lower back. Blood tests may also be performed to rule out other types of arthritis or autoimmune diseases.


Phenotypes:

There are several phenotypes or patterns of lumbar osteoarthritis. The most common are discogenic lumbar spondylosis, facet joint lumbar spondylosis, and mixed lumbar spondylosis.

Discogenic lumbar spondylosis: This phenotype is characterized by degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae in the lower back, which can cause pain and stiffness.

Facet joint lumbar spondylosis: This phenotype is characterized by degeneration of the facet joints in the lower back, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

Mixed lumbar spondylosis: This phenotype involves a combination of discogenic and facet joint degeneration and can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.