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Quantitative Assessment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Using the Disc Signal Intensity Index in Patients With
Koki Tsuchiya1, Ichiro Okano1, Reon Kobayashi2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN.
The disc signal intensity index (DSI2) quantitatively assesses disc degeneration, showing a link between higher DSI2 scores and worse quality of life in patients with lumbar spine disorders.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Lumbar spine disorders significantly impact patient quality of life.
- Accurate quantitative assessment of disc degeneration is crucial for understanding disease progression and treatment outcomes.
- Existing grading systems, like the Pfirrmann scale, have limitations in detecting subtle changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the novel disc signal intensity index (DSI2) and patient-reported outcome measures in lumbar spine disorders.
- To evaluate DSI2 as a quantitative tool for assessing disc degeneration.
- To compare the efficacy of DSI2 with the traditional Pfirrmann grading system.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study analyzing MRI scans (2019-2022) of patients with lumbar spine pain.
- Quantitative assessment of disc degeneration using DSI2, calculated from T2-weighted midsagittal MRI images.
- Collection of patient demographics and outcome measures, including Numerical Rating Scale of Pain and EQ-5D-5L scores.
Main Results:
- DSI2 scores demonstrated a correlation with the Pfirrmann grade at each lumbar level.
- Multivariable regression analysis identified average DSI2 (p=0.018) and BMI (p=0.007) as independent risk factors for EQ-5D-5L deterioration.
- The mean Pfirrmann grade score was not found to be an independent risk factor (p=0.58).
Conclusions:
- The DSI2 is a valuable quantitative tool for assessing disc degeneration in lumbar spine disorders.
- DSI2 scores are associated with patient-reported quality of life, specifically EQ-5D-5L scores.
- DSI2 offers a promising alternative to the Pfirrmann grading system for detecting subtle disc degeneration progression in future research.
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