Authors: Schoenfeld, Andrew J.¹; Nelson, James H.¹; Burks, Robert²; Belmont, Philip J.¹

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 176, Number 11, November 2011 , pp. 1320-1324(5)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

ABSTRACT

The epidemiology of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) is poorly understood, and the incidence of this disorder has not previously been characterized for a young, physically active population. This study sought to evaluate the incidence of lumbar DDD, and identify risk factors for its development, among individuals serving in the U.S. military over a 10-year period. The Defense Medical Epidemiology Database was queried for the years 1999-2008 using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code for lumbar disc degeneration (722.52). Overall incidence was determined and multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors among demographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, military rank, and branch of service.

White race, female sex, Army, Air Force, or Marine service, enlisted positions within the ranks, and age were found to be significant risk factors for the development of lumbar disc degeneration. Increased age appeared to be one of the most important risk factors, with adjusted incidence rates successively increasing for each age group under study. The incidence of lumbar DDD in this young, racially diverse, and physically active population is higher than most other degenerative conditions.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, 5005 North Piedras Street, El Paso, TX 79920. 2: Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, Monterey, CA 93943.

Publication date: 2011-11-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
  
  Military Medicine's 5-year Impact Factor: 1.061
  
  
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