Fróðskaparrit - 01.01.1971, Page 39

Sjúka í diskunum bróstgeislanna millum
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The possible causes of the frequency of mb. discd columnae thoracalis
which the investigation revealed — a frequency apparently exceeding that
of other places to some considerable extent — are discussed. The materiai
does not seem to indicate that exogenous factors influence the frequency,
thus information of back traumas exists in only a few cases. The occu-
pational distribution corresponds to that of the normal population, and
both sexes are equally represented.
Opinions differ as to the etiology of the pathological picture. These
are pointed out and evaluated.
Some possibilities with regard to the onset of the pain are mentioned.
The pain may originate from the injured disc.
The pain may stem from a small lateral disc prolapsus pressing against
ligaments and nerves.
The disc degeneration will disturb the delicate balance and thus as
well injure the posterior joints and the ligaments. This may result in
arthrodial changes of the small joints of columna.
In addition the disc degeneration is likely to predispose to »facet
syndrome«, as the lacking balance between the vertebrae on account of the
affected disc causes wrong movements of the apophyseal joints. These
movements may occasion a synovial membrane to become nipped.
Notwithstanding divergencies in the onset of the pathological picture,
it must be regarded as an established fact that on the whole it is being
underdiagnosed and misinterpreted as heart-disease and the like. It is
therefore of importance that doctors become familiar with the pathological
picture and always have it in rnind when for instance they get patients
with atypical heart symptoms.