The relationship of the shear wave elastography findings of patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation and clinical characteristics

Qingyuan Wang,Jinxin Zhang,Hanqi Zhang,Hao Zhang,Hui Zheng

doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2814-7

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to find out whether the shear wave elastography (SWE) findings of patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH) were related to clinical characteristics.MethodsFor this purpose, the study group included patients (N = 20; 13 male, 7 female) with complaints of unilateral sciatica, with foraminal stenosis caused by one level of LDH (L4-L5 or L5-S1). An gender-and age-matched control group (N = 27; 16 male, 11 female) was included. All the patients were examined on both the axial and longitudinal planes bilaterally at the same level using a convex array probe (1- 6 MHz, Supersonic Imagine, Aix en Provence, France).ResultsThe sciatic nerve stiffness measured on longitudinal planes of the affected side was significantly higher than unaffected side (p < 0.001) and the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the symptom duration of unilateral LDH is positively correlated with the stiffness the sciatic nerve (r = 0.52, p = 0.019).ConclusionAccording to these findings, ultrasound imaging can be considered as a useful tool to detect changes in the sciatic nerve due to disc herniation. This technique will have a promising prospect for many patients with unilateral LDH in monitoring stiffness during rehabilitation and before or after surgery.

Highlights

The aim of this study was to find out whether the shear wave elastography (SWE) findings of patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH) were related to clinical characteristics
It was demonstrated that the sciatic nerve stiffness can be assessed accurately using elastography, and the stiffness of the sciatic nerve can be affected by the lower limb movements [10]
In summary, we showed that the stiffness measurements of the sciatic nerve were significantly higher in patients with LDH than in healthy subjects

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this study was to find out whether the shear wave elastography (SWE) findings of patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH) were related to clinical characteristics. Many studies have shown that about 80% of the population suffers from low back pain (LBP) [1]. Compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots by a herniated disc contribute to LBP. 40% of these patients sustain radicular pain along the sciatic nerve distribution [3]. These spine-related expenditure have steeped increased recently in the USA [4]. Because its prevalence and significant impact on personal life and social life, early diagnosis of LDH and assessment of sciatic nerve compression are of substantial significance

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