Lumbar Disc Degenerative Disease: Disc Degeneration Symptoms and Magnetic Resonance Image Findings

Abstract

Study DesignCross sectional and observational.PurposeTo evaluate the different aspects of lumbar disc degenerative disc disease and relate them with magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings and symptoms.Overview of LiteratureLumbar disc degenerative disease has now been proven as the most common cause of low back pain throughout the world. It may present as disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, facet joint arthropathy or any combination. Presenting symptoms of lumbar disc degeneration are lower back pain and sciatica which may be aggravated by standing, walking, bending, straining and coughing.MethodsThis study was conducted from January 2012 to June 2012. Study was conducted on the diagnosed patients of lumbar disc degeneration. Diagnostic criteria were based upon abnormal findings in MRI. Patients with prior back surgery, spine fractures, sacroiliac arthritis, metabolic bone disease, spinal infection, rheumatoid arthritis, active malignancy, and pregnancy were excluded.ResultsDuring the targeted months, 163 patients of lumbar disc degeneration with mean age of 43.92±11.76 years, came into Neurosurgery department. Disc degeneration was most commonly present at the level of L4/L5 105 (64.4%).Commonest types of disc degeneration were disc herniation 109 (66.9%) and lumbar spinal stenosis 37 (22.7%). Spondylolisthesis was commonly present at L5/S1 10 (6.1%) and associated mostly with lumbar spinal stenosis 7 (18.9%).ConclusionsResults reported the frequent occurrence of lumbar disc degenerative disease in advance age. Research efforts should endeavor to reduce risk factors and improve the quality of life.

A prospective study of magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients of chronic low back pain: a clinico-radiological correlation

“…The cause of facet hypertrophy is increased mechanical stress due to change in posture and center of gravity. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is mostly seen at lower spinal level predominantly at L4/L5 and L5/S1 which was similar to the study conducted by S. Saleem, Hafeez M. Aslam et al 30 Only 2 cases of spondylolisthesis were found in our study both were involving L4/L5 level. Spondylolisthesis had been reported frequently in the patients of lumbar canal stenosis in comparison to patients of disc herniation, reflecting the fact that during stenosis, laxity of capsules and spinal ligaments may result in spondylolisthesis.…”

“…30 Patients of LBP diagnosed with herniated disc in MRI and those were treated surgically have better short-term outcomes in comparison to patients who treated with conservative therapy. 31 So if surgery is performed earlier after the diagnosis, prognosis will be better.…”

Spectrum and Prevalence of degenerative changes seen on Mri of Lumbosacral Spine in Patients with Low Back Pain

“…Patients of 51-70 year age group were more commonly affected; this finding is supported by studies done by Saleem et al [17] and Rai et al [14]. Modic end plate changes were seen in 21% of the present study population.…”

“…It was mostly seen at lower spinal levels (predominantly at L4/L5 and L5/S1), similar to study conducted by Saleem et al [17]. In the study done by PY Yong et al [16]14.0% manifested LFH.Vertebral compression was seen in 5.7% of the study population with anterior wedge collapse accounting for majority (90%) of cases.…”

Reliability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Interpretation in Patients with Lumbar Disk Herniation

“…In the industrialized countries, LBP is very common and lumbar disk degenerative disease is one of the main causes of LBP all over the world [2]. LBP may occur due to degenerative changes, Stenosis of spinal cord, neoplasm, injury, infection, and arthritic effects [3].…”