Study of lumbar spine by MRI with special reference to disc degeneration and Modic changes in rural area

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Original Article

Author Details : Raviraj Durganand Walwante, Shankar Sambhajirao Dhapate, Satishkumar Sukhanand Porwal

Volume : 4, Issue : 4, Year : 2017

Article Page : 569-573

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Abstract

Introduction: Degenerative disease of the lumbar spine refers to a syndrome in which an intervertebral disc with adjacent spine structures is compromised; this can be due to aging process associated with pathologic process. Individuals with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine can be symptomatic or asymptomatic, although commonly the disease is asymptomatic. The symptomatic individuals can present with back pain or radicular pain syndrome (sciatica). Lumbar spine is the common area affected by degenerative changes, as it is a part of spine which is subjected to heavy mechanical stress. This disease encompasses disc degeneration, Modic changes, disc displacement, facet joint arthropathy and associated complications.
Materials and Method: This is a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive study. Study population included all patients above 20 years of age with lower back pain with/without radiculopathy who were referred for lumbar spine MRI at Radiology department.
Observations and Result: The study included 165 patients; the age range was from 20 to 80 years whereby eighty-two of them were females. On lumbar MRI, overall prevalence of lumbar degenerative findings was 91%. Disc degeneration (sign of reduced disc signal intensity) being the most frequent finding seen in 91% patients and Modic changes in 38%. Minority of participants (9%) had normal lumbar MRI findings. Most of the degenerative findings were seen at lower lumbar levels i.e. L4/L5.
Conclusion: In this study we have studied different pattern of degenerative changes in lumbar spine by MRI and association between low back pain and degenerative changes.

Keywords: Back pain, disc degeneration, Modic changes, disc displacement, nerve root compression, spinal canal stenosis, MRI

How to cite : Walwante R D, Dhapate S S, Porwal S S, Study of lumbar spine by MRI with special reference to disc degeneration and Modic changes in rural area. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2017;4(4):569-573

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