Study design: Longitudinal follow-up study.
Objective: This current study aimed to further assess progression, incidence, and risk factors of lumbar spondylolisthesis in these subjects at 4-year follow-up.
Summary of background data: A survey for osteoporotic fractures in Hong Kong during 2001 to 2003 represented the first large scale prospective population-based study on bone health in elderly (≥65 years) Chinese men and women. A follow-up study was performed at year-4.
Methods: The lateral lumbar radiographs of 1519 male and 1546 female subjects at year-4 follow-up were analyzed using the Meyerding classification, and compared with the baseline findings.
Results: Spondylolisthesis progressed in 13.0%, and de novo spondylolisthesis appeared in 12.4% in men. Spondylolisthesis progressed in 16.5%, and de novo spondylolisthesis appeared in 12.7% in women. In women, higher weight, body mass index, spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD), lower physical activity and lower grip strength were significant factors associated with spondylolisthesis progression, whereas only higher spine BMD was a marginally significant factor associated with spondylolisthesis progression for men. A weak association was noted between spondylolisthesis and lower back pain incidence in women, but not in men.
Conclusion: Lumbar spondylolisthesis progression in elderly Chinese at 4-year follow-up was characterized by this study.
Level of evidence: 3.