Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Low Back Pain

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.