Disc Desiccation in Low Impact Young Trauma Victims

Objective: To consider evidence that indicates disc desiccation occurs with regularity in young individuals, despite reports to the contrary. Clinical Features: The clinical histories of 168 chiropractic patients under the age of 50 were reviewed in such a manner that individual patients cannot be identified. Outcome: 20 individuals under the age of 50 were found to exhibit disc desiccation, an occurrence of approximately 12%. It was also indicated that disc desiccation appears to occur with slightly greater frequency in women. Conclusion: Disc desiccation is more prevalent in young trauma victims than was previously believed. Concern regarding sample size was discussed, as were suggestions for further research, such as larger sample size, consideration of the direction of impact, the effects of health or obesity upon the occurrence and/or degree of injury.