Correlation between Clinical Features and MRI Findings in Lumbar Disc Prolapse
Author Information
Author(s): Janardhana AP, Rajagopal, Rao S, Kamath A
Primary Institution: University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, University of Delhi
Hypothesis
To study the correlation between the abnormalities observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical features in patients of lumbar disc prolapse and to know about its significance in decision-making for treatment.
Conclusion
Clinical findings correlate well with MRI findings, but not all MRI abnormalities have clinical significance.
Supporting Evidence
- 123 patients had dermatological pain, 73 had neurological symptoms, and 36 had neurological deficits.
- 208 levels showed disc bulges, 56 showed protrusions, and 26 showed extrusions on MRI.
- Among 66 patients with root compression, 57 were symptomatic with radicular pain.
- Patients with gross extrusion and central protrusion not compromising neural foramen were asymptomatic.
- There was no statistical correlation between clinical symptoms and MRI findings like disc bulge, protrusion, and extrusion.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at how back pain and MRI results match up in patients with disc problems. They found that sometimes the MRI doesn't tell the whole story about how much pain someone feels.
Methodology
Patients with lumbar disc prolapse were evaluated for pain distribution and neurological symptoms, and their clinical criteria were correlated with MRI findings.
Potential Biases
Further the intra-observer bias in assessment of MRI findings was also not specified.
Limitations
The study lacks in adding any newer information from previously known facts using a lesser resolution MRI and not mentioning the expertise of clinician for clinical assessment.
Participant Demographics
Patients with lumbar disc prolapse.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.013
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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