Magnetic resonance imaging patterns of lumbar spine degeneration in patients presented with low back pain at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College

Abstract

Abstract Background: Low back pain is a common and challenging health problem causing a decrease in quality of life and significant economic impact. The most common cause of low back pain is the degeneration of the lumbar spine segments. Studies indicate the large burden of the problem in Ethiopia. All elements of the spine can undergo morphological changes that can be classified as degenerative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for the evaluation of low back pain because of its anatomical detail, tissue contrast and lack of ionizing radiation. Objectives: To assess MRI patterns of lumbar spine degeneration in patients who presented with low back pain at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College who had lumbar MRI Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study (retrospective record review) was conducted. The study included 400 patients with low back pain who had lumbar MRI from April 2024 to June 2024 at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. A systematic random sampling technique was used. Sociodemographic data was collected from the patient charts as well as EMR (electronic medical recording) and their lumbar spine MRI findings were accessed from the radiology information system (RIS) and Picture achieving and communication system (PACS). Descriptive and correlation analysis was done using SPSS version 27. Results: The study included 400 patients with a mean age of the patients was 43.4 ± 14 years with age range of 13 to 86 years. Among participants, 68.3% were females and 31.8% were males. MRI findings of lumbar spine degeneration were very common among patients with low back pain with a prevalence of 86.3%. Among these intervertebral disc degeneration was the most common finding. Even though the prevalence varies, no statistically significant sex difference in prevalence seen for most of lumbar spine degeneration types. However, aging has statistically significant correlation for most types of lumbar spine degeneration. L4/L5 and L5/S1 lumbar spine levels were the most commonly affected by degenerative changes. Conclusion and recommendation: MRI findings of lumbar spine degeneration were very common among patients with low back pain with strong correlation with aging. No statistically significant sex correlation was seen. Multi-centered and population-based studies with longer study period that includes factors associated with lumbar spine degeneration are recommended to make conclusion on general population. Keywords: degeneration, low back pain, lumbar spine, MRI