Magnetic Resonance Image Findings in Radicular Low Back Pain

Authors

  • Muhammad Umar Classified Specialist in Radiology & Imaging, CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Syed Zoherul Alam Adviser Specialist in Radiology & Imaging, CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Zamil Zaidur Rahim Classified Orthopaedic Surgeon, CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Mohammad Saifur Rahman Classified Specialist in Radiology & Imaging, CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Nahid Akhter Consultant Sonologist in Ibna Sina Diagnostic Center, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v17i2.58367

Keywords:

Radicular low-back pain, MRI, Disc degenerative disease

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common symptom associated with degenerative disc disease. Common causes of radicular low back pain are narrowing of the space where nerve roots exit the spine, which can be result of stenosis or disc herniation. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the key investigation for diagnosis of radicular LBP. Objective: To find the association between radicular low back pain and MRI findings of degenerative disc disease. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, from January to June 2018. A total of 128 patients with LBP with or without radiculopathy were included in the study. Lumbosacral MRI was carried out in all patients.

Results: One third (34.4%) of the patients had LBP with radiculopathy. A substantial proportion (68%) of patients had history of trauma to back-bone. Majority (97.7%) of the patients had disc degeneration. Approximately 72% had nerve-root compression and over three-quarters (76.6%) had spinal canal stenosis. Radiculopathy was significantly associated with past history of trauma to the back-bone (p < 0.01) and history of loadbearing (p < 0.001). Signs of degenerative disease were evident as Modic changes in 80.5%, disc displacement in 100% and disc herniation in 75%. All degenerative lesions were predominantly found at L4/L5. Highly significant (p <0.001) association of radiculopathy with Modic changes, disc herniation, nerve root compression and spinal canal stenosis was found.

Conclusion: Signs of degenerative disc disease are significantly associated with radicular low back pain.

JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 17, No 2 (December) 2021: 47-51

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Published

2022-05-30

How to Cite

Umar, M. ., Zoherul Alam, S. ., Rahim, Z. Z. ., Rahman, M. S. ., & Akhter, N. . (2022). Magnetic Resonance Image Findings in Radicular Low Back Pain. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 17(2), 47–51. https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v17i2.58367

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Original Papers

License

Submission of a manuscript for publication implies the transfer of the copyright from the author to the publisher upon acceptance. Accepted manuscripts become the permanent property of the Journal of Armed Forces Medical College and may not be reproduced by any means in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher.