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Chen J, Liu Z, Xu Y, Liu Z, Zheng Z, Zhang Z, Fan C, Li Q, Zhao Q. Anatomic zone division and clinical significance of the lumbar sinuvertebral nerves. Spine J 2023:S1529-9430(23)00153-5. [PMID: 37031892 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Discogenic low-back pain (DLBP) is one of the primary causes of low back pain (LBP) and is associated with internal disk disruptions and is mainly transmitted by the sinuvertebral nerve (SVN). The lack of a universal understanding of the anatomical characteristics of the SVN has compromised surgical treatment for DLPB. PURPOSE This study aims to elaborate on the anatomical characteristics of the SVN and to discuss their possible clinical significance. STUDY DESIGN The SVNs were dissected and immunostained in ten human lumbar specimens. METHODS The SVNs at the segments from L1-L2 to L5-S1 in ten human cadavers were studied, and the number, origin, course, diameter, anastomotic branches, and branching points of the SVNs were documented. Three longitudinal and five transverse zones were defined in the dorsal coronal plane of the vertebral body and disc. The vertebrae were divided longitudinally as follows: the region between the medial edges of the bilateral pedicles is divided into three equal parts, the middle third is zone I and the lateral third on both sides are zones II; the areas lateral to the medial margin of the pedicle were zones Ⅲ.The transverse zones were designated as follows: a)superior margin of the vertebral body to superior margin of the pedicle; b) between superior and inferior margins of the pedicle; c) inferior margin of the pedicle to inferior margin of the vertebral body; d) superior margin of the disc to the midline of the disc; and e) midline of the disc to the inferior margin of the disc. The distribution characteristics of SVNs in various zones were recorded, and tissue sections were immunostained with anti-NF 200 and anti-PGP 9.5. RESULTS The SVNs are divided into main trunks and deputy branches, with 109 main trunks and 451 deputy branches identified in the 100 lumbar intervertebral foramens (IVFs). The main trunks of the SVN originate from the spinal nerve and/or the communicating branch, but the deputy branch originating from both roots was not observed. All the main trunks and deputy branches of the SVNs originate from the posterolateral disc (Ⅲ d and Ⅲ e). The deputy branches of the SVN primarily innervate the posterolateral aspect of the intervertebral disc (Ⅲ d 46.78%, Ⅲ e 36.36%) and the subpedicular vertebral body (Ⅲ c 16.85%). The main trunk of the SVNs passes primarily through the subpedicular vertebral body (Ⅲ c 96.33%) and divides into ascending, transverse, and descending branches in the IVF: Ⅲ c (23/101, 22.77%) or spinal canal: Ⅱ c (73/101, 72.28%), Ⅱ d (3/101, 2.97%), Ⅱ b (2/101, 1.98%). The main trunk possesses extensive innervation, and except for the most medial discs (Ⅰ d and Ⅰ e), it almost dominates all other zones of the spinal canal. At the segments from L1-L2 to L5-S1, 39 ipsilateral anastomoses connecting the ascending branch to the main trunk or spinal nerve at the upper level were observed, with one contralateral anastomosis observed at L5. CONCLUSION The zone distribution characteristics of SVNs are similar across all levels. Comparatively, the proportion of double-root origin and the number of insertion points of the SVNs increased at the lower level. The three types of anastomosis offer connections between SVNs at the same level and at different levels. The posteromedial disc is innervated by corresponding and subjacent main trunks, with the posterolateral disc mainly innervated by the deputy branch. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Detailed information and zone distribution characteristics of the lumbar SVNs can help improve clinicians' understanding of DLBP and improve the effectiveness of treatments targeting the SVNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zexian Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yejie Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zezheng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhiyang Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chaohui Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qingchu Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China..
| | - Qinghao Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, China..
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Breemer MC, Malessy MJA, Notenboom RGE. Origin, branching pattern, foraminal and intraspinal distribution of the human lumbar sinuvertebral nerves. Spine J 2022; 22:472-482. [PMID: 34737065 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The lumbar sinuvertebral nerve (SVN) innervates the outer posterior intervertebral disc (IVD); it is thought to mediate discogenic low-back pain (LBP). Controversy, however, exists on its origins at higher (L1-L2) versus lower (L3-L5) lumbar levels. Additionally, lack of knowledge regarding its foraminal and intraspinal branching patterns and extensions may lead to iatrogenic damage. PURPOSE To systematically describe the origins of the L2 and L5 SVNs, their morphological variation in the intervertebral foramen (IVF) and intraspinal distribution. STUDY DESIGN Dissection-based study of 20 SVNs with histological confirmation in five embalmed human cadavers. METHODS The origin, branching pattern and distribution of the L2 and L5 SVNs was investigated bilaterally in five human cadavers using dorsal and anterolateral dissection approaches. Parameters studied included somatic and/or autonomic SVN root contributions, foraminal SVN morphology and course, diameter, branching point, intraspinal distribution and IVD innervation pattern. Nerve tissue was confirmed by immunostaining for neurofilament and S100 proteins. RESULTS The SVN and its origins was identified in all except one IVF at L2 and in all foramina at L5. At L2, the SVN arose in nearly 90% of sides from both somatic and autonomic roots and at L5 in 40% of sides. The remaining SVNs were formed by purely autonomic roots. The SVN arose from significantly more roots at L2 than L5 (3.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3, respectively; p=.022). Four different SVN morphologies could be discerned in the L2 IVF: single filament (22%), multiple (parallel or diverging) filament (33%), immediate splitting (22%) and plexiform (22%) types, whereas the L5 SVN consisted of single (90%) and multiple (10%) filament types. SVN filaments were significantly thicker at L2 than L5 (0.48 ± 0.06 mm vs. 0.33 ± 0.02 mm, respectively; p=.043). Ascending SVN filaments coursed roughly parallel to the exiting spinal nerve root trajectory at L2 and L5. Branching of the SVN into ascending and descending branches occurred mostly intraspinal both at L2 and L5. Spinal canal distribution was also similar for L2 and L5 SVNs. Lumbar posterior IVDs were innervated by the descending branch of the parent SVN and ascending branch of the subjacent SVN. CONCLUSIONS The SVN at L2 originates from both somatic and autonomic roots in 90% of cases and at L5 in 40% of cases. The remaining SVNs are purely autonomic. In the IVF, the L2 SVN is morphologically heterogeneous, but generally consists of numerous filaments, whereas at L5 90% contains a single SVN filament. The L2 SVN is formed by more roots and is thicker than the L5 SVN. Intraspinal SVN distribution is confined to its level of origin; lumbar posterior IVDs are innervated by corresponding and subjacent SVNs (ie, two spinal levels). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Our findings indicate that L5 discogenic LBP may be mediated both segmentally and nonsegmentally in 40% of cases and nonsegmentally in 60% of cases. Failure of lower lumbar discogenic pain treatment may be the result of only interrupting the nonsegmental pathway, but not the segmental one as well. Relating SVN anatomy to microsurgical spinal approaches may prevent iatrogenic damage to the SVN and the formation of postsurgical back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus C Breemer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J A Malessy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert G E Notenboom
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Chu ECP, Wong AYL. Chronic Orchialgia Stemming From Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Brief Review. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211018431. [PMID: 34027733 PMCID: PMC8141999 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211018431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic orchialgia can be the result of pathological processes of the scrotal contents or stem from non-intrascrotal structures. Successful pain management depends on identifying the source of localized or referred pain. This is a case report of a 39-year-old male sports coach who presented with low back pain, right orchialgia, and sciatica refractory to conservative management. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed disc protrusion at L3/L4 and L4/L5 levels. Positive outcomes in relieving back and testicular pain were obtained after a total of 30 chiropractic sessions over a 9-week period. The evidence of the subjective improvement was corroborated by regression of the herniated discs documented on the repeat MR imaging. While chronic orchialgia is not an uncommon problem for men of all ages, it has seldom been described in association with lumbar discogenic disease. The current study provided preliminary support for a link between orchialgia and lumbar disc herniation. Chiropractic manipulation had provided a mechanistic alleviation of noxious lumbar stimuli, leading to symptomatic and functional improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chun Pu Chu
- New York Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre, Hong Kong, China
| | - Arnold Yu Lok Wong
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Calcium imaging in population of dorsal root ganglion neurons unravels novel mechanisms of visceral pain sensitization and referred somatic hypersensitivity. Pain 2021; 162:1068-1081. [PMID: 33021564 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mechanisms of visceral pain sensitization and referred somatic hypersensitivity remain unclear. We conducted calcium imaging in Pirt-GCaMP6s mice to gauge responses of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to visceral and somatic stimulation in vivo. Intracolonic instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colonic inflammation and increased the percentage of L6 DRG neurons that responded to colorectal distension above that of controls at day 7. Colorectal distension did not activate L4 DRG neurons. TNBS-treated mice exhibited more Evans blue extravasation than did control mice and developed mechanical hypersensitivity in low-back skin and hind paws, which are innervated by L6 and L4 DRG neurons, respectively, suggesting that colonic inflammation induced mechanical hypersensitivity in both homosegmental and heterosegmental somatic regions. Importantly, the percentage of L4 DRG neurons activated by hind paw pinch and brush stimulation and calcium responses of L6 DRG neurons to low-back brush stimulation were higher at day 7 after TNBS than those in control mice. Visceral irritation from intracolonic capsaicin instillation also increased Evans blue extravasation in hind paws and low-back skin and acutely increased the percentage of L4 DRG neurons responding to hind paw pinch and the response of L6 DRG neurons to low-back brush stimulation. These findings suggest that TNBS-induced colitis and capsaicin-induced visceral irritation may sensitize L6 DRG neurons to colorectal and somatic inputs and also increase the excitability of L4 DRG neurons that do not receive colorectal inputs. These changes may represent a potential peripheral neuronal mechanism for visceral pain sensitization and referred somatic hypersensitivity.
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Viseux FJF, Mora A, Villeneuve P, Charpentier P, Martins DF, Lemaire A. Contribution of the sensory innervation of the spine in low back pain: review and clinical commentary. Somatosens Mot Res 2020; 38:27-33. [PMID: 33108934 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2020.1840344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Few validated tests allow a precise aetiological diagnosis of Low Back Pain (LBP), and the difficulty of clinical evaluations could be one of the reasons to explain the lack of effectiveness in the therapeutic management of chronic LBP. However, an implication of a sensory impairment in the control of sensorimotor circuits could be suggested. Interactive and specific responses between nociceptive nerve fibres and the paraspinal musculature motor control could have clinical implications, in particular through kinematic evaluation. Following an introduction to the link between the sensory innervation of the spine and pain, we then summarise the maladaptive movement in LBP at the kinematic and neuropathological level. A clinical objectification of these kinematic adaptations at the lumbar spine level, would clarify the aetiological diagnosis causes of chronic LBP, and so help optimising therapeutic strategies by proposing a relevant and precise clinical model of this painful condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic J F Viseux
- Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur (CETD), Centre hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France.,Service de Neurochirurgie, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France.,Posture Lab, Paris, France
| | - Annarita Mora
- Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur (CETD), Centre hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France.,Service de Neurochirurgie, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France
| | | | - Pascal Charpentier
- Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur (CETD), Centre hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France
| | - Daniel F Martins
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Antoine Lemaire
- Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur (CETD), Centre hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France
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Chapman KB, Groenen PS, Vissers KC, van Helmond N, Stanton-Hicks MD. The Pathways and Processes Underlying Spinal Transmission of Low Back Pain: Observations From Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Treatment. Neuromodulation 2020; 24:610-621. [PMID: 32329155 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) is a novel approach to treat chronic pain. Lead placement at L2 has been reported to be an effective treatment for axial low back pain (LBP) primarily of discogenic etiology. We have recently shown, in a diverse cohort including cases of multilevel instrumentation following extensive prior back surgeries, that DRG-S lead placement at T12 is another promising target. Local effects at the T12 DRG, alone, are insufficient to explain these results. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a literature review to explore the mechanisms of LBP relief with T12 DRG-S. FINDINGS Branches of individual spinal nerve roots innervate facet joints and posterior spinal structures, while the discs and anterior vertebrae are carried via L2, and converge in the dorsal horn (DH) of the spinal cord at T8-T9. The T12 nerve root contains cutaneous afferents from the low back and enters the DH of the spinal cord at T10. Low back Aδ and C-fibers then ascend via Lissauer's tract (LT) to T8-T9, converging with other low back afferents. DRG-S at T12, then, results in inhibition of the converged low back fibers via endorphin-mediated and GABAergic frequency-dependent mechanisms. Therefore, T12 lead placement may be the optimal location for DRG-S to treat LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth B Chapman
- The Spine & Pain Institute of New York, New York City, NY, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA.,Northwell Health Systems, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Pauline S Groenen
- The Spine & Pain Institute of New York, New York City, NY, USA.,College of Medicine, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kris C Vissers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Noud van Helmond
- The Spine & Pain Institute of New York, New York City, NY, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, USA
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Effects of a Novel Neurodynamic Tension Technique on Muscle Extensibility and Stretch Tolerance: A Counterbalanced Crossover Study. J Sport Rehabil 2018; 27:55-65. [PMID: 27992294 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2016-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND The mechanisms subserving deep spinal pain have not been studied as well as those related to the skin and to deep pain in peripheral limb structures. The clinical phenomenology of deep spinal pain presents unique features which call for investigations which can explain these at a mechanistic level. METHODS Targeted searches of the literature were conducted and the relevant materials reviewed for applicability to the thesis that deep spinal pain is distinctive from deep pain in the peripheral limb structures. Topics related to the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of deep spinal pain were organized in a hierarchical format for content review. RESULTS Since the 1980's the innervation characteristics of the spinal joints and deep muscles have been elucidated. Afferent connections subserving pain have been identified in a distinctive somatotopic organization within the spinal cord whereby afferents from deep spinal tissues terminate primarily in the lateral dorsal horn while those from deep peripheral tissues terminate primarily in the medial dorsal horn. Mechanisms underlying the clinical phenomena of referred pain from the spine, poor localization of spinal pain and chronicity of spine pain have emerged from the literature and are reviewed here, especially emphasizing the somatotopic organization and hyperconvergence of dorsal horn "low back (spinal) neurons". Taken together, these findings provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that deep spine pain is different from deep pain arising from peripheral limb structures. CONCLUSIONS This thesis addressed the question "what is different about spine pain?" Neuroanatomic and neurophysiologic findings from studies in the last twenty years provide preliminary support for the thesis that deep spine pain is different from deep pain arising from peripheral limb structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Vernon
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON, M2H 3J1, Canada.
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Pain around the ear in Bell’s palsy is referred pain of facial nerve origin: The role of nervi nervorum. Med Hypotheses 2010; 74:235-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2009] [Revised: 06/07/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Schäfer A, Hall T, Briffa K. Classification of low back-related leg pain—A proposed patho-mechanism-based approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 14:222-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2007.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2006] [Revised: 09/30/2007] [Accepted: 10/04/2007] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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D'Aprile P, Tarantino A, Lorusso V, Brindicci D. Fat saturation technique and gadolinium in MRI of lumbar spinal degenerative disease. Neuroradiol J 2006; 19:654-71. [PMID: 24351270 DOI: 10.1177/197140090601900518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 10/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the potential of MR sequences with Fat Saturation and gadolinium in patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine and low back pain, by studying both anterior and posterior elements of the lumbar spine. We examined 3323 patients (age range 15-78 years) presenting low back pain. We used T2-weighted sequences with Fat Saturation and in some selected cases (1063 patients, 32%) administered gadolinium using T1-weighted sequences with Fat Saturation. In particular we used gadolinium in the following cases: 1) presence of hyperintense areas on T2 weighted images with Fat Saturation in the osteo-articular and muscular-ligamentous structures of the lumbar spine; 2) Clinical-radiological discrepancy in patients without disc-root conflict and clinical suspicion of posterior vertebral compartment syndrome. We found degenerative-inflammatory changes in osteo-articular, ligamentous and muscular structures in 1063 patients: osteochondrosis, "aseptic discitis", facet joint effusion and synovitis, osteoarthritis, synovial cysts, spondylolysis, degenerative-inflammatory changes of the posterior ligaments (flava, interspinous and supraspinous ligaments) and posterior perispinal muscles. To improve diagnostic accuracy and allow correct therapeutic guidance, MR examination in patients with low back pain must evaluate both anterior and posterior elements of the lumbar spine. Our study indicates that T2 sequences with Fat Saturation and, in selected cases, gadolinium administration, better visualize or disclose degenerative-inflammatory changes in the lumbar spine, showing the active-inflammatory phase and extension of these processes which may not be depicted during a standard MR examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D'Aprile
- Neuroradiology Unit, San Paolo Hospital, AUSL BA/4; Bari -
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D'Aprile P, Tarantino A, Jinkins JR, Brindicci D. The value of fat saturation sequences and contrast medium administration in MRI of degenerative disease of the posterior/perispinal elements of the lumbosacral spine. Eur Radiol 2006; 17:523-31. [PMID: 16733673 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-006-0324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2005] [Revised: 04/03/2006] [Accepted: 04/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative-inflammatory lumbar spinal pathology is one of the most common reasons why individuals seek medical care, and low back pain is the main symptom among those most commonly associated with this pathologic condition. Pain is commonly attributed to degenerative disc disease, particularly herniated discs, but many different spinal and perispinal structures may undergo degenerative-inflammatory phenomena and produce pain: discs, bone, facet joints, ligaments and muscles. In particular, in patients with non-radicular low back pain, this syndrome may arise from changes of the posterior elements/perispinal tissues of the lumbar spine (i.e., the "posterior vertebral compartment"). They include: facet joint pathology (e.g., osteoarthritis, joint effusion, synovitis and synovial cysts), spondylolysis, spinal/perispinal ligamentous degenerative-inflammatory changes and perispinal muscular changes. It is well known that magnetic resonance is the most sensitive imaging method for the evaluation of spinal degenerative pathology, even in the initial stages of the disease. T2-weighted sequences with fat saturation, and when indicated the use of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images with fat saturation, permit the visualization of degenerative-inflammatory changes of the posterior elements of the lumbar spine that in most cases would have been overlooked with conventional non-fat suppressed imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D'Aprile
- Department of Neuroradiology, San Paolo Hospital, Bari, Italy.
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