Early intervertebral disc degeneration changes in asymptomatic weightlifters assessed by T1ρ' -magnetic resonance imaging

STUDY DESIGN.: Case-control study. OBJECTIVE.: To evaluate early intervertebral disc degeneration quantified by T1ρ' - and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in asymptomatic weightlifters compared with a healthy control group matched for sex and age. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Athletes consistently recruit or transfer high levels of repetitive forces through the spine, and MRI has documented a higher rate of intervertebral disc degeneration in athletes compared with matched controls. This study aims to analyze the potential role of T1ρ' -MRI in the assessment of early degenerative changes occurring in intervertebral discs of young asymptomatic weightlifters compared with healthy controls. METHODS.: Twenty-six asymptomatic young male weightlifters versus a sedentary control group matched for age and sex, both having no lower back pain nor any spinal symptoms, underwent MRI (1.5 T). Degenerative grade was assessed using T2-weighted images, according to the Pfirrmann scale. T1ρ' mapping and values in the nucleus pulposus (n = 130) were obtained. Differences in T1ρ' value between among the groups and linear regression analyses with degenerative grade were determined. RESULTS.: Pfirrmann degenerative grade did not show significant differences among groups. Instead, T1ρ' values were significantly lower in the lumbar spine of weightlifters compared with controls (P < 0.05). T1ρ' values decreased linearly with degenerative grade. CONCLUSION.: T1ρ' values were significantly lower in athletes compared with a sedentary matched control group showing differences in intervertebral disc degeneration onset among individuals with lifestyle and environmental factors leading to back pain. T1ρ' can be potentially used as a valid clinical tool to identify early changes in intervertebral disc on the verge of new emerging intervertebral discs regenerative strategies and treatments.Level of Evidence: 4.