[Study on the correlation between bony structural abnormalities and clinical symptoms in lumbar disc herniation]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Spine Surgery

Background:

• Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of low back and leg pain.
• The role of bony structural abnormalities in exacerbating LDH symptoms requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between lumbar bony characteristics and pain/functional impairment in LDH patients.
• To identify specific imaging findings that correlate with clinical presentation in LDH.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center cross-sectional study involving 1,046 LDH patients.
• Assessment of bony parameters (scoliosis, instability, ossification) via X-ray and CT.
• Evaluation of pain (VAS) and function (ODI) for clinical correlation.

Main Results:

• Leg pain (VAS) correlated with ligament ossification and posterior longitudinal ligament ossification.
• Back pain (VAS) correlated with abnormal lumbar curvature and ligament ossification.
• Functional impairment (ODI) correlated with leg/back pain and lumbar scoliosis, but inversely with angular instability.

Conclusions:

• Lumbar bony abnormalities, particularly ligament ossification and altered curvature, are partially linked to pain and disability in LDH.
• Bony changes are not the sole determinant of severe symptoms; multiple factors modulate clinical presentation.
• Further research integrating advanced imaging and AI is needed to establish causality.