The radiological symptoms of lumbar disc herniation and degenerative changes of the lumbar intervertebral discs

The x-ray examination is one of the fundamental diagnostic modalities in patients with low-back-pain. The aim of study was to establish relation between radiological findings and herniation type and its localization. As well, we looked for relation between radiological findings and progression of disc degeneration.

The study enrolled 187 individuals operated due to lumbar disc herniation. In each case the x-ray examination of lumbar spine was performed. Herniation was classified as protrusion, prolapse or disc sequestration. According to localization, herniation was defined as central, lateral or intermediate. Removed discs were histologically evaluated to determine degeneration symptoms. The radiological picture was related to the degeneration of the intervertebral discs.

The statistical analysis revealed the only one relation -between traction osteophytes and herniation classified as disc prolapse (p<0.05). We found no relations between other radiological findings (narrow intervertebral space, diminished lordosis, scoliosis) and herniation and its localization within the spinal canal. Also there is no relation between disc degeneration and radiological findings.

Classic x-ray examination presents low value in diagnostics of lumbar disc degeneration and its herniation. There is no relation between radiological picture and intensity of degenerative changes within the lumbar discs.