title: MRI evaluation of lumbar disc degenerative disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lower back pain secondary to degenerative disc disease is a condition that affects young to middle-aged persons with peak incidence at approximately 40 y. MRI is the standard imaging modality for detecting disc pathology due to its advantage of lack of radiation, multiplanar imaging capability, excellent spinal soft-tissue contrast and precise localization of intervertebral discs changes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the characterization, extent, and changes associated with the degenerative lumbar disc disease by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional and observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total 109 patients of the lumbar disc degeneration with age group between 17 to 80 y were diagnosed & studied on 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine. MRI findings like lumbar lordosis, Schmorl's nodes, decreased disc height, disc annular tear, disc herniation, disc bulge, disc protrusion and disc extrusion were observed. Narrowing of the spinal canal, lateral recess and neural foramen with compression of nerve roots observed. Ligamentum flavum thickening and facetal arthropathy was observed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Males were more commonly affected in Degenerative Spinal Disease & most of the patients show loss of lumbar lordosis. Decreased disc height was common at L5-S1 level. More than one disc involvement was seen per person. L4 - L5 disc was the most commonly involved. Annular disc tear, disc herniation, disc extrusion, narrowing of spinal canal, narrowing of lateral recess, compression of neural foramen, ligamentum flavum thickening and facetal arthropathy was common at the L4 -L5 disc level. Disc buldge was common at L3 - L4 & L4 - L5 disc level. Posterior osteophytes are common at L3 - L4 & L5 -S1 disc level. L1- L2 disc involvement and spondylolisthesis are less common.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lumbar disc degeneration is the most common cause of low back pain. Plain radiograph can be helpful in visualizing gross anatomic changes in the intervertebral disc. But, MRI is the standard imaging modality for detecting disc pathology due to its advantage of lack of radiation, multiplanar imaging capability, excellent spinal soft-tissue contrast and precise localization of intervertebral discs changes.
authors.affiliation: Third Year Resident Doctor, Department of Radiology, S.S.G. Hospital, Medical College , Vadodara, India .
authors.forename: Pokhraj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Suthar
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) , Richmond, Virginia, USA .
authors.forename: Rupal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, S.S.G. Hospital, Medical College , Vadodara, India .
authors.forename: Chetan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Radiology, S.S.G. Hospital, Medical College , Vadodara, India .
authors.forename: Narrotam
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Patel
keywords: Degenerative disc disease; Intervertebral disc; Sciatica pain