MRI-biochemical follow up measurements of lumbar intervertebral disc in patients with leg length discrepancy: Is it possible to alter cartilage damage with conservative therapy?

Objective: Effect of conservative therapy on intervertebral discs (IVD) in patients with leg-length-discrepancy (LLD).

M&m: Seventy lumbar IVDs of 14 participants (five with LLD 10-20 mm) were examined using a 3T-MRI-scanner. Morphological (Pfirrmann) and molecular (glycosaminoglycan-chemical-exchange-saturation-transfer, gagCEST) grading was assessed before and after a four-month therapy (physiotherapy and shoe inlays).

Assessment of glycosaminoglycan content in intervertebral discs of patients with leg length discrepancy: A pilot study.

Objective: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) could be a predisposing factor for early degeneration of lumbar intervertebral discs (IVD). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the molecular effect of LLD on IVDs.

Methods: IVDs of Eleven patients (25.