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

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.