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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 12, Issue 2, September 2014 pp 299-302

Role of MRI in lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse - a clinico- radiologic correlation study

Ram Shenoy Basti1, Rishi Philip Mathew2, Abdunnisar M3, Hadihally B Suresh4

1Assistant Professor, 2Senior Resident, 3Junior Resident, 4Professor and Head, Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, INDIA.

Abstract

 

Objective: To describe degenerative changes involving intervertebral discs of lumbar spine in correlation with symptoms of the patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with clinically suspected lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse referred for MRI to the Radiology Dept. of our institution over a period of one year from Jan 2013 to Jan 2014 were included in the study. This retrospective analytical study included 100 patients who presented with low back and/or radiating leg pain and other symptoms suggestive of intervertebral disc prolapse. All the patients have undergone MRI on 1.5 T MRI (Philips Achieva 16 Ch.) scanner. The images were correlated with clinical symptoms and level of disc prolapse as well as neurological signs and symptoms. Statistical analysis included percentage frequency and chi square test. Results: 100 patients were included in the study with age ranging from 18 to 73. Disc bulge was most frequent finding seen in 74 patients (74%), disc herniation was seen in 25 patients (25%) and was commonest in patient with acute history of backache while disc bulge was common in patients with chronic symptoms. 77 patients (77%) had MR evidence of nerve or thecal compression. Nerve compression (P Value= 0.013) and disc herniation (P value= 0.004) were significantly associated with pain distal to the knees. Conclusion: Nerve compression or Disc herniation was strongly associated with distal leg pain. Nerve compressions were commonest in patients presenting with acute onset of backache. Disc bulge/ degeneration showed no significant association with specific pain patterns.