Osteoarthritis of the Thoracic Spine: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Sex Differences and Degeneration of the Thoracic Spine During the Life Course
Bagwell, Kelsey Lauren
Citations
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases associated with joint pain and will affect nearly all adults during their life course. There has been extensive research done involving the peripheral joints; however, the spine remains largely understudied, particularly the thoracic spine. Researchers suggest that this is due to the low prevalence of osteoarthritis seen in the thoracic vertebrae (Larsen 2015). However, there is evidence to suggest that osteoarthritis affects the thoracic skeleton extensively, primarily in the lower vertebral region. The aim of this research is to provide a better understanding of the processes that affect the thoracic spine, such as osteoarthritis, age and sex differences, and asymmetry of the thoracic superior and inferior articular facets.
