Correlation between the MRI changes in the lumbar multifidus muscles and leg pain

Citation
Df. Kader et al., Correlation between the MRI changes in the lumbar multifidus muscles and leg pain, CLIN RADIOL, 55(2), 2000, pp. 145-149
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging
Journal title
CLINICAL RADIOLOGY
ISSN journal
00099260 → ACNP
Volume
55
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
145 - 149
Database
ISI
SICI code
0009-9260(200002)55:2<145:CBTMCI>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
AIM: In the assessment of the lumbar spine by magnetic resonance imaging (M RI), changes in the paraspinal muscles are frequently overlooked, In this s tudy, our objective was to investigate the relationships between lumbar mul tifidus (MF) muscle atrophy and low back pain (LBP), leg pain and inteverte bral disc degeneration. METHODS: A retrospective study of 78 patients (aged 17-72) with LBP present ing with back pain with or without associated leg pain was undertaken, Thei r MR images were visually analysed for signs of lumbar MF muscle atrophy, d isc degeneration and nerve root compression. The clinical history in each c ase was obtained from their case notes and pain drawing charts. RESULTS: MF muscle atrophy was present in 80% of the patients with LBP, The correlation between MF muscle atrophy and leg pain was found to be signifi cant (P < 0.01). However, the relationships between muscle atrophy and radi culopathy symptoms, nerve root compression, herniated nucleus pulposus and number of degenerated discs were statistically not significant, CONCLUSION: Examination of the paraspinal muscles looking for atrophy of MF muscle should be considered when assessing MR images of lumbar spine, This may explain the referred leg pain in the absence of other MR abnormalities . (C) 2000 The Royal College of Radiologists.