J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  1997 Nov;4(2):281-290.

Lumbar Disc Degeneration and Segmental Instability: A Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Images and Plain Radiographs

• Park SR
• Kim HS
• Kang JS
• Lee WH
• Lee JH
• Lee TJ

Abstract

SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Many authors haute described the association between lumbar disc degeneration and segmental instability but it has not been delineated in detail.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the MRI assessment of disc degeneration with the conventional plain X-ray evaluation of the intervertebral disc, in order to study lumbar segmental instability.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 75 patients with low back pain and/or sciatica, we analyzed disc space height, angular displacement, and horizontal displacement on plain radiographs of the lumbar spine. These parameters were compared with the grade of disc degeneration as evaluated by magnetic resonance Imaging. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed the association between grade of disc degeneration as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging assessment and segmental instability as evaluated by plain radiographs of the lumbar spine.
RESULTS
Disc space height was decreased In proportion to the grade of disc degeneration. Angular displacement was increased according to the grade of disc degeneration, but significantly less with severe degeneration, accompanied by a tendency to stabilization of the motion segment. Horizontal displacement was not correlated with the grade of disc degeneration
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of lumbar segmental instability increased in proportion to the grade of disc degeneration but significantly decreased with severe disc degeneration.

MeSH Terms

Humans
Incidence
Intervertebral Disc
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration*
Low Back Pain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Sciatica
Spine