Atrophy of the multifidus muscle evaluated with MRI in elderly patients with low back pain
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2014.01.009
- VernacularTitle:磁共振成像技术定量评定老年下背痛患者多裂肌的萎缩
- Author:
Yuhua BAI
;
Jing ZHANG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Multifidus muscle;
Low back pain;
Magnetic resonance imaging
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2014;36(1):36-38
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To assess atrophy of the multifidus in elderly patients with low back pain using magnetic resonance imaging.Methods Thirty patients with low back pain were recruited,and 15 healthy subjects formed a normal group.The cross sectional area (CSA) and signal strength of the multifidus muscles at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels were measured along with the signal strength of the hip fat for all of the subjects in both groups using a superconducting magnetic scanner.Results There was no statistically significant CSA difference between the groups at either level.The contrast between multifidus muscle and adipose tissue was significantly different between the groups at both levels.Conclusion In evaluating atrophy of the multifidus muscle in elderly patients with low back pain,the contrast between multifidus muscle and adipose tissue at either level L4-5 or L5-S1 can be used for assessment.It is more reliable,specific and sensitive than the CSA of the muscle.