"We observed a trend toward increased spine abnormality with higher BMI," Dr. Burns said. "These results demonstrate a strong relationship between increased BMI in the pediatric population and the incidence of lumbar disc disease."
According to Dr. Burns, data revealed in the study could signal a significant public health problem given the health costs of back pain in the U.S.
"Back pain causes significant morbidity in adults, affecting quality of life and the ability to be productive," he said.
Co-authors are Amichai J. Erdfarb, M.D., Jordana Schneider, David Ginsburg, B.A., Benjamin Taragin, M.D., and Michael L. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D.
Note: Copies of RSNA 2009 news releases and electronic images will be available online at RSNA.org/press09 beginning Monday, Nov. 30.
RSNA is an association of more than 44,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to excellence in patient care through education and research. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)
Editor's note: The data in these releases may differ from those in the printed abstract and those actually presented at the meeting, as researchers continue to update their data right up until the meeting. To ensure you are using the most up-to-date information, please call the RSNA Newsroom at 1-312-949-3233.
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SOURCE Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
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