|
East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 20, No. 1, 2015, pp. 122-131
|
Bioline Code: js15019
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
|
|
East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 20, No. 1, 2015, pp. 122-131
en |
Lumbar Disc Degenerative disease: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Low Back Pain in Dar Es Salaam.
Jacob, M.; Akoko, L.O. & Kazema, R.R.
Abstract
Background:
Lower back pain (LBP) is a public health problem and lumbar disk
degenerative disease (LDDD) is a main cause. Studies elsewhere show that the prevalence
of LDDD ranges from 85% - 95%. MRI being the best modality for spine disorders, we
studied pattern of LDDD in patients with LBP.
Methods:
This was a seven months, hospital based descriptive, prospective study which
involved all patients presenting with LBP referred
for MRI. Patient characteristics were
analyzed using SPSS version 13.
Results:
One hundred and sixty five patients were recruited
into the study. Their ages
ranged from 20 to 80 years with a mean of 50±12.5 years. Female accounted for 87 (53%)
of the cases.
Most of the patients had LDDD. The disease mostly a
ffected individuals in the age group
above 60 years (P<0.05) with no sex difference. Disk herniation, central canal stenosis and
nerve root compression were significantly seen in patients with radiculopathy (P=0.00).
L4/L5 & L5/S1 were the most affected.
Conclusions:
LDDD occurs in all age groups but individual aged
60 years and above are
most affected. There is a relationship between radiculopathy and disk herniation, central
canal stenosis and nerve root compression. The lower lumbar spine levels remain the most
affected area for disk degenerative disease.
|
|
© Copyright - 2015 East and Central African Journal of Surgery
|
|