Journal articles on the topic 'Intervertebral disk – Radiography – Case studies'

Background Context. Computed tomography- (CT-) guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the vertebral body is an important tool in the diagnostic evaluation of vertebral osteomyelitis. The procedure is considered simple to perform and it is considered a safe procedure with few complications.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe an unusual complication due to a CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the vertebral body of L3, to better understand the relationship between surgical procedure and complication, and to reflect on how to avoid it.Study Design/Setting. Case report and literature review.Methods. The medical records, laboratory findings, and radiographic imaging studies of an 11-year-old boy, with an unusual complication due to a CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the vertebral body of L3, were reviewed.Results. We report a case of vertebral osteomyelitis of L3 caused by methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Following a computed tomography-guided aspiration biopsy of the vertebral body of L3, vertebral osteomyelitis rapidly progressed into the vertebral body of L4 as well as the L3-L4 disk.Conclusions. Based on the present case, one should consider that a CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the vertebral body may be complicated by a progression of a vertebral osteomyelitis into both the intervertebral disk and also the adjacent vertebral body.

Case Presentation: A five-year-old boy presented to our emergency department with severe posterior neck pain that was exacerbated upon neck movement. Cervical spine radiography revealed calcification in the cervical intervertebral disk 3-4. Discussion: Pediatric idiopathic intervertebral disk calcification is a benign, rare condition that might be complicated by associated severe neurological symptoms. In this case, the symptoms gradually subsided with conservative management alone.

Object Cervical anterior discectomy with stand-alone cage (CADC) placement is a known treatment for cervical radiculopathy due to a herniated intervertebral disc or an osteophyte. Routine radiographs are obtained at regular postoperative intervals, but the consequences of routinely obtained radiographs are not known. In this study, the authors evaluated whether postoperative plain radiographs influenced the medical or surgical treatment of patients who underwent CADC placement. Methods The charts and radiographs of all patients who underwent CADC placement in 2007 were retrieved and reviewed retrospectively. In addition, the charts and radiographs of 50 consecutive patients who were seen after a CADC was placed during a period in 2008 were studied prospectively. Special emphasis was given to any abnormalities seen on the radiographs and especially their influence on further treatment. Results The charts and radiographs of 82 patients were retrospectively examined. A total of 138 levels were addressed, and in the prospective series 75 levels were surgically treated. The subsidence rate in the retrospective series was 14.5%. In 1 patient a slight anteroposition of the cage was seen. None of the radiographic abnormalities were related to the outcome of the patient or contributed to a change in the patient's treatment. Conclusions Routine radiographs after CADC placement are not warranted. Intraoperative verification of the position of the cage is recommended. Obtaining radiographs are only mandatory when signs or symptoms suggesting a postoperative complication are present. The authors propose a new algorithm for the follow-up of patients after CADC placement.

Introduction. We report a case of calcification of a cervical intervertebral disk in a child. This is a rare condition, and has been described in about 400 cases worldwide. Children affected by it present with the onset of pain, muscle spasm, and the presence of calcification of a intervertebral disk on radiography. Our objective was to present a case of sudden onset of pain in the neck and torticollis. Case outline. In our case, the condition was diagnosed after trauma, presented with neck pain and spasm of the right sternocleidomastoid. Initial neck radiography was done, and after identifying the calcification in front of C4 and C5 vertebral bodies, CT analysis was conducted. When it was concluded that there is no compression on spine nerve roots, conservative course of treatment was followed. The child had full regression of symptoms after two weeks. Conclusion. Emergency personnel should bear in mind that, even though radiographical finding of a calcification shadow in front of the spine may raise concern, the nature of this disorder is benign in most cases, and responds very well to conservative treatment.

Plain spinal radiography was performed in 40 dachshunds at regular intervals from 6 or 12 months of age to 2 years of age. A follow-up study at 3 to 4 years of age included 12 dogs. High incidence rates of intervertebral disk calcification were seen at 6 to 18 months of age. The number of dogs affected and number of calcified disks seemed to reach a steady level or a maximum at about 24 to 27 months of age. Dissolution of previously calcified disks without clinical signs was demonstrated, causing decreasing numbers of visibly calcified disks after 2 years of age. Radiographic examination for calcified intervertebral disks in the dachshund is recommended at 24 to 30 months of age for heritability studies and selective breeding.

Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) is a rare condition seen in adults. Many interbody fusion cages have been developed for its treatment, but clinical studies of Fidji cervical cage are still scarce. A total number of five patients (four male and one female) were reviewed. The ages of the patients ranged from 40 to 60 years. All the patients underwent neurological and radiological examinations. Neurological and functional outcomes were assessed on the basis of Frankel’s grade. Three of the patients were Frankel B, and the rest two were Frankel C. Magnetic resonance imaging was also performed for the evaluation of spinal cord and intervertebral disc injury. Anterior cervical discectomy and Fidji cervical cage fusion were performed for all. The fusion status was evaluated on the basis of X-rays. After surgical intervention, the clinical symptoms improved for all the patients. The disc interspaces in all the patients achieved solid union at final follow-up. Fidji cervical cage is very efficient in achieving cervical fusion in patients with SCIWORA. There are few complications associated with the use of this cage, and the functional and neurological outcomes are satisfactory.

ABSTRACT: Several surgical procedures aim to decompress and/or stabilize the lumbosacral (LS) joint of dogs; however, the lumbar interbody fusion technique, by using a cage combined with a bone graft, is the most indicated and used in human medicine. No specific implant is available for application to the canine lumbosacral joint. Thus, this study measured lumbosacral discs in large dogs, determined whether a human cage model could fit the dogs’ L7-S1 intervertebral space, and developed a LS cage prototype for dogs. Ten cadaveric lumbosacral spines from adult dog weighing 20-35kg were used. The dogs had died for reasons unrelated to this study. The vertebral body dimensions and the L7-S1 intervertebral space occupied by the intervertebral disc were measured by lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs and by computed tomography in the dorsal, sagittal, and transverse views. Measurements were also taken of the anatomical specimens in the sagittal and transverse planes. After measuring the intervertebral discs, the following mean measures were obtained for L7-S1 discs: height 12.23mm, dorsal thickness 3.3mm, central thickness 4mm, ventral thickness 5.5mm, and width 24.74mm. The human lumbar cage models from brands LDR, Baumer Orthopedics, Stryker, Synthes, and Vertebral Technologies, Inc. and cervical stabilization cages from the brands B-Braun and Stryker were evaluated and were found to be unsuitable for large dogs. Cervical human cages had measurements similar to those found in this study; however, due to their quadrangular shape, the possibility of being introduced surgically through the surgical accesses available for the articulation between L7-S1 in dogs without injuring the cauda equina or the L7 root is small. A cage model was then developed using 3D modelling software. It was designed for insertion via dorsal laminectomy in the lateral portions of the intervertebral space. To avoid cauda equina lesion, the implant model was developed to be placed laterally to the midline. The cage surface is serrated to prevent using the locking screw to fix it, thus avoiding further injury to nerve structures. The serrated surfaces are also designed to avoid cage migration and promote stability. The prototype allows graft placement in the surrounding intervertebral space, which is fundamental for fusion through integration between the cage and the endplates as well as for bone growth between and around the cage. It was also considered studies on humans showing that the lateral regions of the endplates support a more considerable load. Biomechanical and in vivo studies on the developed model are necessary to evaluate the actual degree of distraction, mobility and the long-term rate of fusion between L7 and S1 and its possible impact on the adjacent motor units, combined or not with dorsal fixation techniques.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a disease characterized by massive, non-inflammatory ossification with intensive formation of osteophytes affecting ligaments, tendons, and fascia of the anterior part of the spinal column, mostly in the middle and lower thoracic regions. However, isolated and predominant cervical spinal involvement may occur. It has predilection for men (65%) over 50 years of age and a prevalence of approximately 15-20% in elderly patients.1 A CT scan is one of the diagnostic tools. The radiographic diagnostic criteria in the spine include: 1) osseous bridging along the anterolateral aspect of at least four vertebral bodies; 2) relative sparing of intervertebral disc heights, with minimal or absent disc degeneration; and 3) absence of apophyseal joint ankylosis and sacroiliac sclerosis.2 We present a rare case of dysphagia over 2 years duration due to DISH. Case Report A 55-year-old Malay man presented with intermittent dysphagia for 2 years duration. He denied foreign body ingestion, globus sensation or any laryngeal trauma, shortness of breath, hoarseness or any neurological deficits. A solitary smooth mass on the right posterolateral pharyngeal wall that was hard in consistency was appreciated on oropharyngeal examination. (Figure 1) There was no significant cervical lymphadenopathy and the neurological examination was unremarkable. Cervical Radiographs and CT scan showed marked ossification at the right anterolateral aspect of cervical vertebral bodies C2 to C7 most probably representing a Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis. (Figures 2, 3) He was treated conservatively with 6-monthly follow up. Discussion Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is an ossifying diasthesis characterized by the thickening and calcification of soft tissue (ligaments, tendons and joint capsule) resulting in secondary formation of osteophytes. Most commonly it affects the paraspinal ligaments, predominantly the anterior longitudinal ligament and occasionally the posterior longitudinal ligament.2 It was first described as senile ankylosing hyperostosis of the spine by Forestier and Rodes Querol in 1950.3 In 1970 Resnick et al. coined the term DISH for this systemic entity. Radiologically, they established 3-diagnostic criteria which include 1) Presence of flowing ossification of anterior longitudinal ligament of at least four contiguous vertebral bodies, 2) Preservation of intervertebral disc height, and 3) Absence of apophyseal joint ankylosis or sacroiliac joint erosion, sclerosis or fusion.4 Cervical anterior osteophytes accompanying DISH are mostly asymptomatic. They may present with cervical pain and stiffness. Large osteophytes however do cause dysphagia and it is the most common presenting complaint, affecting 17 – 28% of patients.5 Many different mechanisms have been suggested as the cause of the dysphagia including mass effect on the esophagus by the osteophytes and neuropathy due to recurrent laryngeal nerve impingement.5,6 According to LIn et al., in addition to distortion of laryngoesophageal anatomy and functions, osteophytes of cervical vertebrae can alter the mechanics of pharyngeal swallowing leading to secondary inflammation and edema of mucosa and soft tissue.6 Although airway symptoms in patients with DISH appear to be rare, clinicians should be aware of this condition and its potential for acute respiratory complications. The etiology of DISH is still unclear, however according to Calisanellerr et al. it may be associated with excessive mechanical stress, hyperlipidaemia, increased levels of insulin with or without diabetes mellitus, increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and hyperuricaemia.7 A positive HLA–B8 has also been reported, and hypervascularity may also play a role in the etiopathogenesis of DISH.7,8,9 Differential diagnosis of DISH includes ankylosing spondylitis, spondylosis deformans, osteoarthritis and esophageal malignancies where it should be considered when the dysphagia cannot be explained by small anterior osteophytes.5 Treatment can be divided into conservative treatment with dietary modification, swallowing therapy sessions and analgesia for early stages of mild dysphagia. Chiropractic treatment and acupuncture are popular alternatives among patients. The benefit of chiropractic therapy may lie in its role in increasing range of movement of the spine and providing pain relief.10 When conservative treatment fails, surgical interventions such as osteophytectomy, tracheotomy and feeding tube insertion are indicted. Surgical excision via perioral transpharyngeal route for C1 and C2 vertebrae or anterior cervical approach for C3 to C7 vertebrae is preferred.6,11 The aim of the surgery is to provide satisfactory decompression of the esophagus.6 Recent studies have shown that patients treated surgically with osteophytectomy had marked improvement, if not complete resolution, of their upper aerodigestive disturbances.11 It should be remembered that surgical interventions harbor the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, Horner’s syndrome, cervical instability, persistent symptoms, and recurrence.11 Dysphagia caused by diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is an uncommon entity. Radiological evaluation specifically CT scans are diagnostic and can rule out other possible causes of oropharygeal mass. Surgical decompression may relieve the dysphagia when conservative treatments fail.

Background and Study Aims A great number of unsuccessful intervertebral herniated disk surgeries in the lumbosacral region have highlighted the importance of a comprehensive knowledge of the different types of nerve root anomalies. That knowledge gained by anatomical studies (and intraoperative findings) might contribute to better results. In our study we focused on intraspinal extradural lumbosacral nerve root anomalies and their possible role in radiculopathy. Material and Methods The study was performed on 43 cadavers within 24 hours after death (32 men and 11 women). Bodies were dissected in the prone position, and a laminectomy exposed the entire spinal canal for the bilateral examination of each spinal nerve root from its origin to its exit through the intervertebral foramen or sacral hiatus. Uncommon extradural features in the lumbosacral region were pursued and documented. The spinal dural sac was also opened, aimed at recognizing the normotyped, prefixed, or postfixed type of plexus. Results A total of 20.93% of anomalies of extradural lumbosacral nerve root origins were observed, with the normotyped plexus prevailing. We observed atypical spacing of exits of lumbosacral roots (four cases), two roots leaving one intervertebral foramen (one case), extradural anastomoses (two cases), and missing extradural nerve root courses (two cases). The results were differentiated according to the normotyped, prefixed, or postfixed plexus type. Conclusion Results of similar studies dealing with anomalies of lumbosacral nerve roots were aimed at improving the results of herniated disk surgeries because ∼ 10% of misdiagnoses are related to ignorance of anatomical variability. Our observations may help explain the differences between the clinical picture and generally accepted anatomical standards.

Imaging is integral in the diagnosis of canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and in differentiating subtypes of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). These include intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDP) and more recently recognized forms such as acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE), hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE), and intradural/intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion (IIVDE). Many imaging techniques have been described in dogs with roles for survey radiographs, myelography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given how common IVDH is in dogs, a thorough understanding of the indications and limitations for each imaging modality to aid in diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis is essential to successful case management. While radiographs can provide useful information, especially for identifying intervertebral disc degeneration or calcification, there are notable limitations. Myelography addresses some of the constraints of survey radiographs but has largely been supplanted by cross-sectional imaging. Computed tomography with or without myelography and MRI is currently utilized most widely and have become the focus of most contemporary studies on this subject. Novel advanced imaging applications are being explored in dogs but are not yet routinely performed in clinical patients. The following review will provide a comprehensive overview on common imaging modalities reported to aid in the diagnosis of IVDH including IVDE, IVDP, ANNPE, HNPE, and IIVDE. The review focuses primarily on canine IVDH due to its frequency and vast literature as opposed to feline IVDH.

Objects: Anterior cervical plating decreases the risk of pseudarthrosis, increases rate of fusion following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dysphagia is a common complication of ACDF, with the anterior plate implicated as a potential contributor. A zero-prole, stand-alone interbody spacer has been postulated to minimize soft-tissue irritation and postoperative dysphagia, but studies are limited. We are reporting our ndings in term of clinico-radiological outcomes following the use of such devices in the treatment of cervical spine degenerative diseases with a focus on the course of postoperative prevertebral soft-tissue thickness and the incidence of dysphagia. The authors conducted a prospective analysis of all Methods: patients who had undergone ACDF between December 2018 and December 2019. All patients received a Zero-P implant (DePuy Synthes Spine).The Neck Disability Index (NDI),Modied Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score(mJOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for arm and neck pain were documented. Dysphagia was determined using the Bazaz criteria. Prevertebral soft-tissue thickness, spinal alignment, intervertebral disc height were assessed as well. The nal outcome was assessed with Odom's criteria. Total 30 patients Results: were studied prospectively, and data were collected and analyzed. 17 male and 13 female consecutive patients, with a mean age of 48.28 ± 8.17 years, underwent ACDF with Zero-Prole spacer (42 total operated levels) in the dened study period. There were signicant improvements in neck and arm VAS scores, the NDI and mJOA scores following surgery at last follow up. The neck VAS score improved from a mean 7.34 ±1.87 to 1.04 ± 0.09 (p<0.01) . The arm VAS score improved from 7.22±2.03 to1.03±0.10 at latest follow up. NDI score improved signicantly from preoperative 31.94±6.73 to 12.87±5.24 and mJOAscore improved from preoperative 9.53±1.98 to 15.6±1.26 at last follow up. Immediate postoperative dysphagia was experienced by 36.67% of all patients. Complete resolution of dysphagia was demonstrated at the latest follow-up. Prevertebral soft-tissue thickness at postoperative 48 hrs decreased across all levels from a mean of 15.87 ±0.69 to 11.81 ± 0.53 mm at last follow up. Cervical alignment and intervertebral disc height were also improved signicantly after surgery. Radiographic fusion was achieved in 100% of implants. No correlation was found between prevertebral soft-tissue thickness and Bazaz dysphagia score. Majority of the patients had excellent outcomes in odom's criteria. Conclusions: Zero-Prole device is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases. Chronic dysphagia rates are comparable to or better than those for previously published case series.

Abstract Background Pre-existing degeneration of adjacent segment is an important risk factor for adjacent-segment degeneration (ASD), but only limited and controversial studies have addressed its management. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with symptomatic degeneration of the L5/S1 segment warranting surgical interference and severe asymptomatic degeneration of the L4/5 segment. Of these patients, those who underwent interbody fusion of the causative (L5/S1) segment and distraction of the intervertebral space and facet fusion of the adjacent L4/5 segment were included in Group A (n = 103), while those who underwent interbody fusion of both the L5/S1 and L4/5 segments were included in Group B (n = 81). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. Results Mean follow-up time was 58.5 months (range, 48–75 months). We found no significant difference in clinical outcomes or incidence of ASD in the L3/4 segment between Groups A and B. Compared with Group B, Group A experienced less bleeding (315 ± 84 ml vs. 532 ± 105 ml), shorter operation time (107 ± 34 min vs. 158 ± 55 min) and lower costs (US $13,830 ± $2640 vs. US $16,020 ± $3380; P < 0.05). In Group A, the disc height ratio (DHR) of the L4/5 segment was significantly increased from a preoperative value of 0.40 ± 0.13 to a last–follow-up value of 0.53 ± 0.18 (P < 0.05), while the degree of canal stenosis (DCS) was decreased from a preoperative value of 34.3 ± 11.2% to a last–follow-up value of 15.9 ± 9.3 % (P < 0.05). Conclusions This modified method could be effective in treating severe asymptomatic pre-existing degeneration of adjacent segment in the lumbar spine.

ABSTRACT: Hypercortisolism is a common endocrinopathy in dogs; however, in a few cases, bilateral functional adrenocortical adenomas cause spontaneous disease, and thrombotic events are considered uncommon complications. The aim of this report was to describe a case of bilateral adrenocortical adenoma in a dog with hyperadrenocorticism associated with distal aortic and iliac thrombosis, with emphasis on clinical and pathological aspects. A 15-year-old spayed female Dachshund with a previous clinical history of hyperadrenocorticism presented with acute bilateral hindlimb paraparesis. A vertebral thoracolumbar radiography was performed and did not present any evidence of intervertebral disk disease or vertebral abnormalities; however, abdominal ultrasound and vascular Doppler evaluation revealed bilateral adrenal enlargement in addition to an aortic and external iliac artery thrombus. The animal was euthanized. At necropsy, both adrenal glands were enlarged by well-demarcated neoplastic nodules in the parenchyma, and a thrombus caudal to the abdominal aorta bifurcation within the external iliac arteries that extended to the left external iliac artery was noted. Histological evaluation revealed a well-differentiated neoplastic proliferation of cortical epithelial cells, consistent with bilateral adenoma, and muscular necrosis in the pelvic limbs was also observed. Bilateral functional adrenocortical adenoma; although, very rare, should be considered as a cause of hypercortisolism, and aortic thrombosis in dogs should be considered as a possible consequence.

Abstract Study design This was a cross-sectional frequency-matched case–control study. Background and aim The serum lipid profile of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio (Apo B/Apo A1) ratio were found to be more representative for serum lipid level and were recognized as the independent risk factors for various diseases. Although the blood levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found to be associated with symptomatic intervertebral disk herniation (IDH), no studies to date have evaluated the association of Apo AI, Apo B, Lp(a), and Apo B/Apo AI levels with symptomatic IDH. This study aimed to assess the link between blood lipid levels and symptomatic IDH. Method The study included 1839 Chinese patients. Of these, 918 patients were diagnosed with IDH and enrolled in the experimental group. A control group of 921 patients underwent a physical examination during the same period. The serum lipid levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, Lp(a), Apo B, and Apo B/Apo AI were examined and analyzed. The control group comprised randomly selected patients who met the baseline levels of the aforementioned lipid molecules. Results Patients with IDH exhibited significantly higher TC, TG, LDL, Apo B, and Lp(a) levels than controls. The percentage of high TC, high TG, high LDL, high Apo B, and high Lp(a) were obviously higher in the IDH group than in the control group. However, hyperlipidemia had no relationship with the degenerated segment of the IDH (P = 0.201). The odds ratio (OR) for the incidence of IDH with elevated levels of LDL-C, TC, TG, Lp(a), Apo B, and Apo B/Apo AI was 1.583, 1.74, 1.62, 1.58, 1.49, and 1.39, respectively. The correlation analysis revealed the correlation between elevated LDL-C, TC, TG, Apo B, Lp(a), and incidence of IDH was significant (R2LDL = 0.017; R2TC = 0.004; R2TG = 0.015; R2Apo B = 0.004; R2Lp(a) = 0.021) (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study suggested that elevated levels of serum TC, TG, LDL, Apo B, Lp(a), and Apo B/Apo AI were associated with a higher risk of IDH. This study provided useful information to identify a population that might be at risk of developing IDH based on elevated lipid levels.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major pathological process implicated in low back pain and is a prerequisite to disk herniation. Interleukin-1 α (IL-1α) was thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of disc degeneration by increasing the production of extracellular matrix degradation enzymes and by inhibiting extracellular matrix synthesis. IL-1α may provide insight about the etiology of IDD. We performed a hospital-based case–control study involving 200 IDD patients and 200 controls in the Chinese Han population. Genotyping was performed using a custom-by-design 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism Scan™ Kit. Our study indicated that IL-1α -899C/T polymorphism could increase the risk of IDD under the homozygous, recessive, and allelic models. Subsequently, we validated this significant association by a meta-analysis. Stratification analysis of ethnicity in this meta-analysis also obtained a significant association among Asians and Caucasians. In conclusion, the present study finds that IL-1α -899C/T polymorphism is associated with the risk of IDD. Larger studies with more diverse ethnic populations are needed to confirm these results.

Background: Low Back pain (LBP) is a common health problem that affects different aspects of a person's life. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is a major cause of LBP. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. In contrast, interleukin-10 (IL-10) prevents the occurrence of immune over-stimulation by inhibiting inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of these cytokines in LBP patients and in the control group. Methods: In a case-control study 87 patients including 59 patients with low back pain and 28 healthy subjects were examined after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approval. After recording demographic data, 5 ml of peripheral blood samples were obtained from the subjects and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) technique was performed to measure IL-10 and IL-17 in serum samples. SPSS software with significance level of P <0.05 was used to compare the results. Result: The case group consisted of 21 males and 38 females with mean age 49.6 yrs. and control group consisted of 14 males and 14 females with mean age of 36. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.5 in the patients and 25.4 in the control group (P>0.05). Serum levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-17 were significantly higher in patients than in controls (P=0.032). Conclusion: Differences in serum levels of IL-17 and IL-10 in the LBP group compared with healthy group may indicate the role of inflammatory and autoimmune processes in causing disk damage. These findings could potentially be used by future studies to develop new LBP therapeutic strategies.