Lumbar vertebral magnetic resonance imaging findings in chronic low back pain: The influence of age and sex
Öz
Aim: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent health problem with major clinical and socioeconomic consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of lumbar vertebral magnetic resonance imaging (LVMRI) findings in CLBP patients and to analyze their associations with age and sex.
Methods: This retrospective study included 750 adults presenting with CLBP (≥3 months) to a tertiary university hospital between June and December 2024. LVMRI reports were reviewed for degenerative changes, disc herniation subtypes (bulging, protrusion, extrusion, sequestration), and nerve root compression. Findings were compared across age groups (18–40, 41–60, ≥61 years) and by sex.
Results: The patient population consisted of 69.6% females, with a median age of 45 years (IQR 34–54). Disc herniation was the most common finding (88.5%), while sequestration was the least frequent (0.7%). Degenerative changes and disc herniation significantly increased with age (p<0.001). Extrusion and sequestration showed no age–related trend. Protrusion (38.6% males vs. 29.1% females; p=0.010), extrusion (9.6% males vs. 5.2% females; p=0.022), and nerve root compression (28.9% males vs. 19% females; p=0.002) were significantly more frequent in males, whereas other degenerative features showed no sex differences. Multiple degenerative changes often coexist in the same patient.
Conclusion: LVMRI findings in CLBP increase markedly with age, while specific degenerative features such as protrusion, extrusion, and nerve root compression are more common in men. Recognizing these age– and sex–related patterns may improve diagnostic interpretation, reduce unnecessary investigations, and help tailor management strategies. This study represents the first large–scale investigation from Türkiye assessing LVMRI findings of CLBP patients according to age and sex, providing valuable epidemiological data for both clinical and radiological practice.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Age factors, female, intervertebral disc displacement, low back pain, magnetic resonance imaging, male
Etik Beyan
SELÇUK ÜNİVERSİTESİ TIP FAKÜLTESİ ETİK KURULU 21.11.2024 TARİHLİ 2024/580 SAYILI KARARI İLE.
Kaynakça
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