Title: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Degenerative Disease of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Dr Shyamala Javvadi, Dr Kiranmayi Chalasani, Dr Julius N Toppo, Dr Priyanka
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i2.54
Abstract
Introduction: In Low backache patients of 35 to 50 yrs age group, degenerative disc disease was found to be the most common culprit. The superior soft-tissue contrast resolution of MRI has allowed for noninvasive detailed anatomic evaluation of the spine without radiation exposure and is considered the imaging modality of choice for detection of an actual cause of radicular symptoms versus regular age-related changes. The most commonly affected region is the lumbar spine in acquired degenerative disease.
Purpose: Role of MRI in the evaluation of the degenerative disc changes in the lumbosacral spine in patients with low backache.
Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study of degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine in patients with low backache referred to the department of Radio-diagnosis, KIMS, Amalapuram, A.P.
Machine: Philips Achieva, 1.5 Tesla MRI machine.
Duration:- For period of two months (1st July2019- 31 August 2019).
Sample size- 186.
Results: Out of a total of 186 patients, the incidence of degenerative disc changes is more in females ( 107) compared to males ( 79) with a ratio of 1.35:1. Most of the patients showed osteophytes, schmorl’s nodes, loss of lumbar lordosis, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, facet joint arthrosis, endplate (modic) changes. Disc bulges and herniations were the disc contour abnormalities found in patients with degenerative disc disease. The most common site for bulges and herniations was the L4-L5 intervertebral disc level.
Conclusion: MRI is the modality of choice for imaging of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine.
Keywords: MRI, lumbar spine, intervertebral disc,disc degenerative changes.
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