RADIOGRAPHIC AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN DEGENERATIVE DISC OF THE LUMAR SPINE

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to describe the patterns of radiographic and MRI changes in subjects with degenerative disc of the lumbar spine. Materials and Method: a cross-sectional study was done in a sample of 212 individuals who had been diagnosed degenerative disc on MRI sagittal T2 FSE. The degree of degeneration was classified into 5 grades according to Pfirrmann’s classification. All individuals underwent clinical examination, lumbar conventional radiograph and lumbar MRI using 0.23T Open MRI system. Peridiscal lesions such as discal herniation, thecal sac compression, canal stenosis, vertebral osteochondrosis, Modic change and Schmorl’s node were also included in this study. Results: The result showed the proportion of subjects with lumbar disc degeneration by age. The rate was highest in the age group ³ 50 (45.4%) and lowest in the age group <30 (12.7%). There was no significant difference between male and female (χ2 = 2,42; p=0,12). The most common finding of lumbar radiograph was osteophytes (77.4%; p<0.001). There was a correlation between age, osteophytes, disc space narrowing with the degree of degeneration. Cut-off value for age was estimated > 47 (Se=73.4%, Sp=76.1%) with area under ROC curve was 0.806. The most usually affected level was found to be L4-L5 (31.8%). Most of degenerated disc were classifies as grade III (59.5%). Subjects with 1 or 2 degenerative levels made the definitely higher rate compared to 4 or 5 levels. Common peridiscal lesions were disc herniation, canal stenosis, thecal sac compression, vertebral osteochodrosis, Modic change and Schmorl’s node (respectively). Conclusion: The prevalent rate and degree of disc degeneration increased by age meaning that age is risk factor for disc degeneration. Lumbar radiograph and MRI are useful in the evaluation of degenerative disc disease. Key words: lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, magnetic resonance imaging.