Role of MRI in detection of lumber spine pathologies using 1.5 tesla (MRI)

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting various lumbar spine pathologies in patients with lower back pain. Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent issue affecting 80%–85% of the population during their lifetime, contributing significantly to global disability. LBP is nonspecific in 95% of cases but can stem from underlying pathologies such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, infection, inflammation, tumours, or fractures. Objective: To emphasize the importance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients suspected of lumbar spinal examinations. Methods and material: The research focused on adult patients with radicular syndrome, spinal stenosis, spinal tumours, spinal fractures, spinal infection/inflammation, disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, ankylosing spondylitis, disc displacement, osteoporotic fractures, and other degenerative disc diseases. Utilizing a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, the descriptive, cross-sectional observational study spanned one year and included 150 patients. Results: revealed that diffuse disc bulge (87.33%) and disc protrusion (87.33%) were the most common pathologies, followed by partial desiccation (34.67%), neural foramina stenosis (16.00%), spondylosis (1.33%), osteoporosis (12.00%), spinal haemorrhage (2.00%), osteophyte spurs (29.33%), and sclerotic changes (3.33%). Discussion and Conclusion: The study's discussion highlighted notable findings, including a higher prevalence of lumbar spine abnormalities in females (51.33%) and a substantial association with a history of lower back pain (40.00%). The conclusion underscores the significance of MRI in diagnosing lumbar spine pathologies, with specific attention to the prevalence of disc bulge and protrusion in the studied population.