Modern diagnostic imaging of lumbar spondylosis

The authors retrospectively analyzed 205 patients affected with low back pain and submitted to conventional radiology, CT scan, MR. The purpose of the study was that of gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms caused by the occurrence of spondylosis and its evolution. In light of the most recent literature, the authors conclude: 1) the degenerative process nearly always initiates with laceration of the anulus; 2) dysfunction of the disc then has repercussions on the posterior structures at varying times and with different modalities; 3) symptoms do not always coincide with radiological findings. Thus, the authors believe that for a more complete understanding of the etiopathogenesis and the evolution of spondylosis, further studies involving long-term follow-up of a young population, in relation to clinical and MR findings are needed. MR is the method of choice in determining disc degeneration.