Correlation analysis of lumbar disc herniation with lumbar lordosis, intervertebral angle and lumbosacral angle in young patients

Abstract

Background: It is generally believed that lumbar disc herniation is more common in the elderly population. But with the continuous change of life and working style, more and more young people are suffering from lumbar disc herniation due to their long hours at the desk and poor posture. Purpuse: To analyze the characteristics of lumbar lordosis (LL), intervertebral angle (IVA) and lumbosacral angle (LSA) in young patients with low back pain and their relationship with lumbar disc herniation. Material and Methods: 148 young patients with low back pain underwent lumbar magnetic resonance (MR) and digital radiography (DR). According to the results, they were divided into non-lumbar disc herniation group (NLDH group) and lumbar disc herniation group (LDH group). LL, IVA and LSA were measured on the lateral plainradiographs. Then we compare and analyze the characteristics of LL, IVA and LSA of the two groups and their relationship with lumbar disc herniation. Results: In both groups, IVA gradually increased from L1-L2 to L5-S1, and it reached the maximum at L5-S1. IVA of each segment and the mean LL in LDH group were both smaller than those in NLDH group, but the mean LSA was larger in LDH group, and the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). Lumbar disc herniation was negatively correlated with IVA from L1-L2 to L5-S1 and LL, but positively correlated with LSA. Young patients with lower LL and IVA and higher LSA are more likely to develop lumbar disc herniation. Conclusion: LL, IVA and LSA measured on the lateral plain radiographs can be used as important reference indexes to reflect the condition of lumbar disc herniation.