MRI-based evaluation of lower back pain with reference to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy

Abstract

Introduction  The lower back ache or lumbago is a common musculoskeletal complaint patients present with, especially among the elderly. It can be caused mostly by degenerative changes like ligamentum flavum hypertrophy associated with aging and physical strain, first causing spinal canal narrowing and leading to stenosis later. MRI provides excellent high-resolution images of structures including the spinal canal, vertebral body, discs, joints, and other structures.  Aim and objective  This study aims to bring out the relation between degenerative disc changes and LF hypertrophy in patients presenting with lower back pain and helps in earlier discovery of degeneration and in understanding the underlying pathology better.  Methods  A descriptive prospective study will be done at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi, involving 30 patients who are referred to the department of Radiodiagnosis, AVBRH, Sawangi with lower back pain will be subjected to the study – purposive sampling.  Expected results  After an appropriate statistical analysis, we expect to assess the role of MRI which provides excellent high-resolution images of structures including the spinal canal, vertebral body, discs, joints, and other structures. This study aims to bring out the relation between degenerative disc changes and LF hypertrophy in patients presenting with lower back pain and helps in earlier discovery of degeneration and in understanding the underlying pathology better.   CTRI registration:  REF/2023/05/067795