MRI Evaluation in Lumbar PIVD

Tarkie Abebe^1-4*

Received: September 26, 2018;   Published: October 09, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.09.001848

Full Text PDF

To view the Full Article   Peer-reviewed Article PDF

Abstract

Degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine is almost universal with increasing age. Between 70-90 % of individuals will experience back pain at some point in their lives. The commonest site of pain in the spine is the intervertebral disc. Although the central part of the disc has no nerve supply, the annulus is very sensitive and is often a source of pain. Disc prolapse occurs commonly in middle age with a typical history of an episode of back pain either related to lifting and / or twisting or which occurs spontaneously. 80% of disc prolapses occur in lumbar spine, the majority at L5-S1 and at L4-L5. The back pain commonly lasts for 2-6 weeks but is followed immediately by sciatica or nerve root pain. The pain follows one or more dermatomes and is often associated with neurological symptoms, altered sensation and weakness in the muscles innervated by the compressed nerve roots. Men are more commonly affected. Multiple level disc involvement is commoner as compared to single level disc involvement. L4-L5 and L5-S1 level discs are most commonly affected due to disc degeneration changes. MRI is the standard imaging modality for detecting disc pathology due to its advantage of lack of radiation, multiplanar imaging capability and precise localisation of intervertebral disc changes.

Abstract | Aims and Objectives | Methods and Materials| Results| Discussion| Conclusion| References|