Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Low Backache Due to Lumbar Degenerative Disease and It's Correlation with Modified Oswestry Disability Index

Ankush Sharma, Kaleem Ahmad, Ved Prakash Shukla, Amit Goel, Sujeet Kumar Singh

Abstract: Background: Low backache is a common disability worldwide, often caused by lumbar degenerative disease. MRI is used to evaluate spinal degenerative changes, but the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) quantifies functional impairment. Understanding MRI findings and ODI correlations is crucial for treatment. Objective: To analyze MRI findings in low back pain caused by lumbar degenerative disease and determine the correlation between MRI changes and the severity of self-assessed modified Oswestry Disability Index in patients. The assessment of this correlation helps clinicians make early management decisions for patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Department of Radiodiagnosis, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, involving 300 patients with low back ache complaints for 12 months, with written informed consent taken. Patients with low backache complaints were referred to the radiology department for a lumbosacral spine MRI from the neurology department. MRI scans of the lumbar spine were performed using a 1.5T Siemens machine. Results: A study of 300 patients found disc bulge prevalent in the 4th-6th decades, with a higher incidence in females. Degenerative disc changes were most common in individuals aged 40-60 years, with a higher incidence in females. Central disc bulging was the most common type among the disc Herniation, with L4-L5 level being the most affected. Annular fissures and tears were predominantly found at L4-L5 intervertebral disc level. 51 patients had severe findings, including severe spinal canal stenosis, facet joint arthropathy, and neural foraminal stenosis, primarily in the 30-50 range. Conclusion: The study reveals that MRI findings in patients with low backache due to lumbar degenerative disease do not always correlate strongly with functional disability, emphasizing the need for clinical evaluation and patient-reported disability for comprehensive assessment and management.

Keywords: Low backache, Oswestry Disability Index, Long-Term Disability, Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI

How to Cite?: Ankush Sharma, Kaleem Ahmad, Ved Prakash Shukla, Amit Goel, Sujeet Kumar Singh, "Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Low Backache Due to Lumbar Degenerative Disease and It's Correlation with Modified Oswestry Disability Index", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1761-1768, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR25728224022, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR25728224022