The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Cervical and Lumbar Facet Arthropathy: A Computed Tomography Study

STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and degree of asymptomatic cervical and lumbar facet joint arthritis. We retrospectively reviewed 500 computed tomography (CT) scans of cervical facet joints obtained from 50 subjects. Moreover, 500 lumbar facet joints obtained from an additional 50 subjects were reviewed. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Numerous reports in the literature indicate that joint arthritis is a major source of axial neck and low back pain. However, the diagnostic value of this condition, based on degenerative changes seen on radiological studies, remains controversial because significant imaging findings may not correlate with corresponding symptoms. The CT scan is a sensitive method for facet joint evaluation and may reveal degenerative abnormalities. Previous studies have described the prevalence of facet arthropathy in symptomatic patients, according to radiological findings; however, no study to date has assessed its prevalence in asymptomatic patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the neck and abdominal CT scans of patients had been examined for non-spinal pathologies (i.e., thyroid disease, rule out cancer, ascites). Electronic medical records were reviewed to exclude patients with histories of either neck or back pain. Arthritis severity was graded using a previously published four-point CT scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic cervical facet arthritis (grade 1–3) was 33% (grade 1, 19%; grade 2, 11%; and grade 3, 3%). Among asymptomatic patients, 37% had scalable lumbar facet join arthritis (grade 1, 24%; grade 2, 9%; and grade 3, 4%). There was a statistically significant difference (chi-square test, p<0.0001) in the number of older individuals with arthritic degeneration at the cervical and lumbar levels compared with that of younger individuals. The C6–C7 and L5–S1 levels were the most likely to show arthritic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Arthritic changes to the cervical and lumbar facet joints are prevalent among patients, and in some cases are asymptomatic. These findings were more common in older patients and at lower spinal levels.

Assessment of health related life quality in type 2 diabetic patients in zagazig university hospitals

Background: The fourth leading cause of death is type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Attention to the QOL of the patient is increasing today rather than the longevity of the patient. Therefore, to prevent aggravation of metabolic disorders, the quality of life of diabetic patients should be maintained. There is a growing awareness that patient QOL and satisfaction with treatment have been improved after good glycemic control. The aim of this study was to assess health related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes attending Zagazig University hospital plus associations between HRQOL scores and some variables playing role in scenario of DM were also studied.Methods:A cross sectional study included 100 type 2 diabetic patients, They were subdivided according to glycemic control into 2 groups and 50 non-diabetic participants as control. This study was conducted in Internal Medicine department and diabetes outpatient clinic in Zagazig University hospital in period from July 2016 to July 2018. The QOL was measured using SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Our results revealed that there was highly significant difference regarding physical health component among groups of study (p <0.001). There was also highly significant difference regarding mental health component among groups of study (p <0.001). There was highly significant negative correlation between QOL components and age & BMI & duration of DM & HBA1c and fasting blood sugar in diabetic patients (p <0.001). Conclusions: Type 2 diabetes mellitus in both the physical health and mental health domains is associated with a lower quality of life. Advanced age, obesity and poor glycemic control were factors related to lower quality of life in this study; therefore glycemic control is highly needed to improve the quality of life of diabetic patients