Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs on lumbar vertebrae because of degenerative changes. This research studied the characteristics of osteophyte development in lumbar vertebrae foramina and association of osteophyte development with lumbar spinal stenosis. The total number of all levels of lumbar spines of subjects was 179 from 31 to 90 years of age. The vertebral foramen was divided into six zones. The prevalence and measurements of the length of osteophytes in the vertebral foramina were obtained. The prevalence and length of osteophytes in the posterior body zone were higher than the laminal zone, and higher than the pedicular zone, respectively. In each zone, the highest prevalence of osteophytes was at L5, except for the inferior posterior body zone that the highest prevalence is at L4. The length of osteophyte was also in same direction as the prevalence. The prevalence of osteophytes among six zones of each level were compared, and found, in L1 to L4, the inferior posterior body zone generally had the highest prevalence, except in L5, the superior posterior body zone had the highest prevalence. Moreover, prevalence, as well as length, of osteophytes in lumbar vertebral foramina, of all levels, was positively associated with age. Vertebral osteophytes can develop beginning at 31 years of age. In conclusion, posterior body of L4 and L5 had the highest prevalence of osteophyte formation, thus, these area had the highest probability to cause spinal stenosis.
Lumbar Vertebrae ; Osteophyte ; Prevalence ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine

Acromion is a major associated structure of subacromial impingement syndrome, one of the most common diagnoses in chronic shoulder pain world-wide. The aims of this study are to study morphometry of acromion and to find risk group using acromial morphometry. Total samples were 392 scapulae. The samples were of both sexes, ranging from the age of 31 to 90. Acromion type and osteophytes were observed. Acromial parameters were measured. The relationships were analyzed among acromion type, acromial osteophyte, acromial parameters, age group, sex and side. Curved acromion had the highest prevalence in all age groups. Hooked acromion had the second highest prevalence since the age of 41.Hooked acromion prevalence was higher in male than in female. The highest prevalence of acromial osteophytes was on anteroinferior surface in all age group. The prevalence of acromial osteophytes on anteroinferior surface and acromial facet increased with age. In addition, acromion type was associated with only osteophytes on anteroinferior surface of acromion.Anterior one-third acromial thickness in the age of 31 to 50 was different from those of 51 to 90. There are differences between all parameters and sexes, but not side. General population with age above 50 and concerned male group with age above 40 who have chronic shoulder pain should be investigated for subacromial impingement syndrome. Surgical treatment is recommended because hooked acromion and osteophytes are mostly the root of problem.