On the relationship of spina bifida occulta and spinal degenerative joint disease based on skeletal remains from Dąbrówki, Podlaskie Province, Poland

The aim of the study is to answer the question about existing a relationship between sacral spina bifida occulta (SBO) and the occurrence of degenerative changes in spinal joints based on the examination of 30 skeletal remains (adults only; 9 females, 18 males, and 2 individuals of undetermined sex) from Dabr󷫩 (beginning of the 17^th century, Poland). According to a small sample size age range has not been taken into account in the analyses. SBO, osteophytes, porosity, Schmorls nodes on the vertebral body, and articular processes on the vertebrae were examined. In Dabr󷫩 sample only partial clefts of SBO were assessed. Results show that individuals with SBO are not likely to experience osteoarthritic changes of the spine. Correlations were not statistically significant between sacral SBO and most degenerative changes in the spine. The coefficient for all types of changes was negative, suggesting individuals with SBO are less likely to develop degenerative changes in the spine. The only degenerative change significantly correlated with SBO was porosity. The present study confirms medical study analyses in which the relationship between these two phenomena has been assessed. Apparently, sacral SBO did not significantly affect the spinal health of past human populations. These results could enrich our knowledge of SBO etiology.