MR imaging of the lumbar spine : knee flexion vs. extension in patients with intervertebral disk herniation.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Back pain is a common complaint amongst the Maltese population. The researcher observed that many patients with such pain were being referred for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation in relation to herniation of the lumbar intervertebral disc/s. AIMS The research study was designed to compare two positions of the legs: flexion and extension, during an MRI investigation of the lumbar spine for intervertebral disc herniations. Secondary aims include whether or not the age and gender of the patient significantly affect the results obtained. METHODOLOGY This prospective study was carried out at the MRI suite at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta, on 40 patients of any age and gender, who were mainly diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy, canal stenosis and severe back pain. RESULTS The results obtained indicated that there isn't a significant difference between the two positions of the legs during an MRI investigation of the lumbar spine for intervertebral disc herniations. This study should, in no way, be considered as conclusive. CONCLUSION Further research must be done in order to obtain more significant results. The researcher recommends that the study should be done with a larger sample size and with a different sampling technique.