title: A review of the value of MRI signs in low back pain.
abstract: Low back pain is a common symptom that can lead to disability and major socio-professional repercussions. Despite advances in imaging, the etiology of the pain often remains unknown. Morphological changes related to normal ageing of the disc appear on MR imaging without any symptoms. The potential impact of changes seen on imaging, especially MRI, also warrants discussion. The purpose of this work is to review the state-of-the-art of this subject, underlining relevant key features for routine radiological practice. We will first discuss anterior and posterior segments of the spine with a focus on anatomical, physiopathological and semiological findings. Secondly we will discuss the diagnostic value of each sign.
authors.affiliation: Medical Imaging Department, Rennes University Hospital, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35056 Rennes, France. Electronic address: isabelle.ract@gmail.com.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ract
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, Rennes University Hospital, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35056 Rennes, France.
authors.forename: J-M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Meadeb
authors.affiliation: Medical Imaging Department, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, 43-87, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mercy
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic, Reparative and Traumatic Surgery Department, Rennes University Hospital, rue Henri-Le-Guilloux, 35033 Rennes cedex 9, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cueff
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic, Reparative and Traumatic Surgery Department, Rennes University Hospital, rue Henri-Le-Guilloux, 35033 Rennes cedex 9, France.
authors.forename: J-L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Husson
authors.affiliation: Medical Imaging Department, Rennes University Hospital, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35056 Rennes, France.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guillin
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
keywords: Intervertebral disc degeneration; Low back pain; Magnetic resonance imaging