Comparison between clinical finding and magnetic resonance imaging finding of lumbar prolapsed intervertebral disc

Abstract

Background: Lower back ache is most common problems seen in working population. Prolapsed intervertebral disc is one of the most common cause. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic test of choice. Disc herniation of the same size may be asymptomatic in one patient and can lead to severe nerve root compromise in another patient. So, aim and objective of the study is to compare MRI with clinical findings. Material and Method: This study was conducted on total 60 with chief complaint of LBA was screened for inclusion in study. They underwent MRI of Lumbosacral region. All data collected and Analysed Statistically by Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Total 60 patients with age group between 20-50 years mean age 37.60±6.36, 45% manual Laboure, male predominance, duration 7-12 months, radiculopathy in 90% patients, SLR was positive in 82% cases. MRI was abnormal in all patients with most common finding being disc bulge 53.3%, most common level being L4-L5 and L5-S1 followed by disc degeneration, neural canal compromise. Total MRI diagnosed level L3-L4( 14), L4-L5(39), L5-S1(45) and while total clinically diagnosed levels are L3-L4(4), L4-L5(23), L5-S1(33).Pearson correlation coefficient between disc degeneration-neural compromise(.577), disc degeneration-VAS (.319), disc degeneration-sensory(.360), disc degenerationpower(.417). Conclusion:In this study Significant association has been observed between MRI finding and clinical findings in most of the patients but not all MRI findings are clinically symptomatic in patients. So, this is concluded that treating physician should put more emphasis on history, clinical examination, and make the inference by these and then should correlate the clinical findings with that of MRI to reach a final diagnosis.

Effect of manual therapy on pain, disability and neural mobility in patients of lumbar prolapsed intervertebral disc: a randomized controlled trial

“…Asymptomatic individuals might have radiological findings of disc herniation, protrusions, and annular tear [9]. Disc herniation causes compression of spinal nerve roots that, causes pain [10].…”