Do MRI findings correlate with mobility tests? An explorative analysis of the test validity with regard to structure

Abstract

To find out whether segmental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings such as intervertebral disc degeneration (DD) and facet joint osteoarthritis (FJO) are associated with motion deficiencies as seen in common mobility tests and observed range of motion (ROM). A total of 112 female subjects, nurses and office workers, with and without low back pain, were examined by clinical experts, and lumbar mobility was measured including modified Schober, fingertip-to-floor distance (FTFD) and ZEBRIS motion analysis. An MRI of the lumbar spine was made. Mobility findings were correlated with segmental morphologic changes as seen on MRI at the levels of L1-2 through L5-S1. Only a few statistically significant correlations between MRI findings and the results of the mobility tests could be found. Lateral bending was weakly and negatively correlated to DD and FJO but only on the level of L5-S1. The FTFD showed a weak positive correlation to endplate changes on the level of L4-5. When ROM is observed by clinical experts, there are several significant relationships between MRI findings and the observed motion. There is a highly significant segmental correlation between DD and disc form alteration as seen on MRI on the level of single motion segments. Pain history and current pain level did not moderate any association between MRI and mobility. There is no clear relationship between the structural changes represented by MRI and the measured mobility tests used in this study. Our findings suggest that close observation of spinal motion may provide at least equal information about the influence of spinal structures on motion than the commonly used measured mobility tests do.

Effects of Sagittal Endplate Shape on Lumbar Segmental Mobility as Evaluated by Kinetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging

“…The use of kMRI may be helpful in these situations in determining spinal stability. [25][26][27][28][29] Combined with digital imaging software that allows for accurate and precise quantifi cation of spinal motion, kMRIs could potentially help spine surgeons create more complete clinical assessments of their patients in some situations. 30 , 31 Previous reports have shown that disc degeneration is strongly associated with changes in segmental motion.…”

Measurement of Segmental Lumbar Spine Flexion and Extension Using Ultrasound Imaging

“…C adaver specimens, 19 various imaging techniques, 17,20,24 and in vivo surgically inserted pins 4,6,21,23 have all been used to understand the complexities of segmental spinal motion. Each method has contributed to our understanding of the motion that occurs at the spine.…”

Early Intra‐Articular Hip Disease Presenting With Posterior Pelvic and Groin Pain

“…The onset, history of symptoms, and mechanism of injury typically varies. Physical examination is essential, but evidence suggests [12‐17] that reliability for definitive structural involvement is lacking. Furthermore, many of the provocative physical examination maneuvers that are used to identify potential pain sources, such as the sacroiliac joint and/or hip joint, overlap and are difficult to truly isolate.…”