Abstract
Lumbar multifidus muscles (LMM) are important for spinal motion and stability. Low back pain (LBP) is often associated with fat infiltration in LMM. An increasing fat infiltration of LMM may lead to lumbar dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between the severity of lumbar dysfunction and the severity of fat infiltration of LMM. In a cross-sectional study, 42 patients with acute or chronic LBP were recruited. Their MRI findings were visually rated and graded using three criteria for fat accumulation in LMM: Grade 0 (0–10%), Grade 1 (10–50%) and Grade 2 (>50%). Lumbar sagittal range of motion, dynamic upright and seated posture control, sagittal movement control, body awareness and self-assessed functional disability were measured to determine the patients’ low back dysfunction. The main result of this study was that increased severity of fat infiltration in the lumbar multifidus muscles correlated significantly with decreased range of motion of lumbar flexion (p = 0.032). No significant correlation was found between the severity of fat infiltration in LMM and impaired movement control, posture control, body awareness or self-assessed functional disability. This is the first study investigating the relationship between the severity of fat infiltration in LMM and the severity of lumbar dysfunction. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms leading to fat infiltration of LMM and its relation to spinal function. Further studies should investigate whether specific treatment strategies are effective in reducing or preventing fat infiltration of LMM.
Highlights
Lumbar multifidus muscles (LMM) are important for spinal motion and stability
The main result of our study was that increased severity of fat infiltration in the lumbar multifidus muscles correlated with decreased flexion range of motion of the lumbar spine
In contrast to our hypothesis, we found no significant correlation between the severity of fat infiltration in LMM and impaired movement control or impaired posture control
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is often associated with fat infiltration in LMM. An increasing fat infiltration of LMM may lead to lumbar dysfunction. A large group of these disorders are predominantly mechanically induced and Lumbar multifidus muscles are important for providing segmental stability and they function as dynamic stabilizers of the lumbar spine. They reinforce lumbar lordosis during rotation [11] and antagonize lumbar flexion [41]. Increased fat infiltration in association with pain, age or dysfunction has been reported in other muscles [18,19,20]. Further studies that investigate the association between fat infiltration and dysfunction of the lower back are missing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
