ROLE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN EVALUATION OF LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION IN PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide and is a major 
contributor to disability, reduced productivity, and impaired quality of life. Lumbar disc herniation is an important cause 
of low back pain and radiculopathy. 
Aim: To evaluate MRI findings in patients presenting with low back pain and suspected lumbar disc herniation.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis during 2015 among 130 
patients presenting with low back pain and clinically suspected lumbar disc disease. Patients aged above 18 years with 
low back pain and radicular symptoms were included. Patients with spinal trauma, spinal tumors, previous spinal surgery, 
congenital spinal anomalies, and spinal infections were excluded. Detailed clinical history, symptom duration, 
radiculopathy, numbness, weakness, occupational history, straight leg raising test, and neurological findings were 
recorded. MRI of the lumbar spine was performed using standard T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences. MRI 
parameters evaluated included level of disc involvement, type of disc herniation, nerve root compression, spinal canal 
stenosis, and associated degenerative changes