Low back pain in adults: pattern of abnormal findings on MRI lumbosacral spine images in south-east Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is a leading cause of musculoskeletal disability resulting in loss of productivity and frequent outpatient physiotherapy. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows detailed evaluation of the soft tissue and bony components of the lumbosacral spine. It also assesses abnormalities that may be associated with low back pain.

Objective: To document the frequency and most prevalent lumbosacral spine MRI findings in patients with low back pain.

Methodology: Three hundred archived MRI images of patients aged 18 years and above investigated for low back pain at Memfys hospital for Neurosurgery were evaluated in this study. Analysis of data was done using SPSS Software Version 21.0 for windows.

Results: The study population had a mean age of 53.9 years with a range of 18 to 91years. Positive findings were noted in 299(99.66%) of 300 subjects. Subjects aged 40 – 49 years (22.67%) were of the highest frequency followed by 50 – 59 (22.33%). Positive findings were neural foramina narrowing (96.33%), disc herniation (93.67%), disc dehydration (79%), canal stenosis (46.67%), vertebral degenerative changes (43%), scoliosis (19.67%), cord compression (11%), discitis (9%), vertebral fracture (7%), spinal mass (5.67%), vertebral mass (5%) and kyphosis (3.4%). Most prevalent findings were mainly in the 60 – 69 age group of male gender.

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated a high prevalence of abnormalities in lumbosacral MRI of patients with low back pain. The most prevalent findings were neural foramina narrowing, disc herniation and disc dehydration.

Keywords: Imaging, Positive findings, Soft tissue, Bony components