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Disc degeneration: a human cadaveric study correlating magnetic resonance imaging and quantitative discomanometry
E P Southern1, M A Fye, M M Panjabi
1Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group, Long Beach, California, USA.
Spine
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quantitative discomanometry show good correlation in assessing lumbar spine disc degeneration. Quantitative discomanometry may detect early anular fiber tears missed by MRI.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Conflicting results exist comparing MRI with discography/discomanometry for lumbar disc degeneration.
- No prior studies have directly compared MRI with quantitative discomanometry for assessing lumbar disc degeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the correlation between MRI and quantitative discomanometry in evaluating lumbar spine disc degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Human cadaveric study of 19 lumbar spine discs (T11-S1).
- Spines underwent MRI, with scans interpreted by a neuroradiologist.
- Quantitative discomanometry involved saline injection and pressure-volume curve analysis with six parameters.
Main Results:
- A good overall correlation was found between MRI scores and six quantitative discomanometry parameters (Rho 0.61-0.78, P < 0.05).
- Correlation was significant for all parameters except volume at maximum pressure.
Conclusions:
- MRI and quantitative discomanometry demonstrate good correlation for assessing lumbar disc degeneration.
- Quantitative discomanometry may be valuable for detecting early disc degeneration, including anular fiber tears potentially missed by MRI.