Abstract:
HTML
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that central (median) disc herniations cause low back and not radicular pain.
Methods and Materials: 100 patients (50 low back, 50 radiculopathy) were studied with identical MR parameters within one week of symptom onset and interpreted by three readers blinded to clinical information. Only patients with single level herniated disc disease were subsequently analyzed. Disc type and size, sensory abnormalities, myotomal weakness, reflexes, Roland and pain scores were analyzed.
Results: 53/100 patients had a herniated disc at one or more levels. 29/100 patients (11 low back only and 18 with radicular symptoms) had single level herniations. 6/29 patients had median and 23/29 had lateral or foraminal disease. 5/6 median disc herniations had low back pain only (83%). 17/23 lateral disc herniations had radicular pain (74%). Myotomal weakness was seen in 0% of median disc herniations and 52% of lateral. There were no differences in reflex abnormalities, Roland or pain scores.
Conclusion: Single level median and lateral disc herniations are associated with similar pain and disability scores but median disc herniations have little or no sensory dysfunction or myotomal weakness.
Questions about this event email: rossj1@ccf.org
Ross MD, J,
Presenting Signs and Symptoms Correlated with Anatomy in Patients with Single Level Herniated Discs. Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3102484.html
