Background: Lumbar spine disorders are a common cause of morbidity and functional disability, particularly in middle-aged individuals. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive and reliable tool for evaluating spinal abnormalities such as disc degeneration, bulges, desiccation, and infections. This study aims to assess MRI findings in patients with lower back symptoms and correlate them with age, gender, and clinical presentation.
Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent lumbar spine MRI. Patient data were categorized by age (six groups from 18 to 70 years), gender, and clinical symptoms (low backache, neurological symptoms, infection-related, and others). MRI findings were classified into degenerative changes, normal/minimal findings, and infectious/inflammatory causes.
Results: The most common age group was 36-44 years (31.7%), followed by 27-35 years (21.7%). Males constituted 55% and females 45% of the study population. Low backache was the predominant symptom (70%), followed by neurological symptoms (13.3%) and infection-related complaints (8.3%). MRI findings revealed that 80% had degenerative changes, mainly at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. Normal scans were seen in 11.7%, and 8.3% had infectious/inflammatory changes.
Discussion: The study shows a strong correlation between clinical symptoms and degenerative MRI findings. Most cases occurred in middle-aged individuals, indicating age-related mechanical stress as a key factor. MRI proves essential for accurate diagnosis and guiding clinical decisions.
Conclusion: MRI is an effective diagnostic modality for evaluating lumbar spine disorders. Early detection of degenerative changes can aid in timely treatment, reduce chronic back issues, and improve patient outcomes.
International Journal of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging
