M. Murata et al., LUMBAR DISC DEGENERATION AND SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY - A COMPARISON OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE IMAGES AND PLAIN RADIOGRAPHS OF PATIENTS WITH LOW-BACK-PAIN, Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 113(6), 1994, pp. 297-301
We analyzed disc space height, angular displacement, tilting movement,
and horizontal displacement in 109 patients with low back pain and/or
sciatica, on plain radiographs of the lumbar spine. These parameters
were compared with the grade of disc degeneration as evaluated by magn
etic resonance imaging with the aim of studying lumbar segmental insta
bility. Disc space height decreased in proportion to the grade of disc
degeneration. Angular displacement was significantly less with severe
disc degeneration, accompanied by a tendency to stabilization of the
motion segment. Tilting movement and horizontal displacement did not c
orrelate with the grade of disc degeneration. Lumbar segmental instabi
lity was recognized at all levels even in individuals who appeared to
be normal or to have mild disc degeneration. The incidence of lumbar s
egmental instability at the L3-4 level was significantly higher in pat
ients with normal discs or mild disc degeneration. At the L4-5 and L5-
S levels it did not differ between different grades of disc degenerati
on.