Korean J Spine.  2011 Sep;8(3):141-147. 10.14245/kjs.2011.8.3.141.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Low Back Pain

• Choi JW
• Jang TW
• Shin IY
• Moon SM
• Hwang HS
• Jeong JH

• KMID: 2070945
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2011.8.3.141

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to analyze lumbar spine MRI findings and investigate their association factors with lumbar spinal degeneration.
METHODS
Between March 2008 and December 2008, we retrospectively analyzed lumbar spine MRI scans of 246 patients with LBP. We used a modified MRI score for evaluation of spinal degeneration, which was obtained by modifying the Meyerding classical system. We performed Mantel Haenszel chi-square tests to compare the MRI score and associated factors.
RESULTS
The mean MRI score was 12.05. The main level at which the pathological condition existed was L4-5 in 123 patients (50.2%). Statistical analysis showed that an age of over 40 years (p-value <0.0001) and symptom duration of over 5 years (p=0.0122, which is <0.05) were significantly related to a high MRI score. Annular tear, irregular nucleus shape, and reduced disc height in the lumbar spine were strongly associated with LBP.
CONCLUSION
Annular tear, irregular nucleus shape, and reduced disc height in the lumbar spine were strongly associated with LBP. Especially, MRI finding in patients aged over 40 years and who experienced symptoms for 5 years or more showed higher MRI score.

Keyword

Association factors; Low back pain; Lumbar spine; Degeneration; Magnetic resonance imaging

MeSH Terms

Aged
Humans
Low Back Pain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Magnetics
Magnets
Retrospective Studies
Spine