Zi-Xuan Wang, You-Gu Hu


July 2012, Volume 21, Issue 7, pp 1311 - 1315 Original Article Read Full Article 10.1007/s00586-012-2240-0

First Online: 04 March 2012

Objectives

To analyze the three-dimensional distribution of high-intensity zone (HIZ) in lumbar disks and to assess the correlation between low back pain (LBP) and spatial distribution of HIZs.

Methods

Clinical records and lumbar MRIs of 623 patients (337 males and 286 females, age 50.10 ± 15.38 years) were selected and reviewed. Baseline characteristics and 3D localization were performed and recorded by two radiologists in a blind fashion.

Results

Among the 623 patients, 200 exhibited an HIZ in at least one disk. HIZs were more frequently seen in the inferior part of annulus fibrosus (superior–middle–inferior ratio 39:59:140, P  0.05). The incidence of LBP was slightly higher when the HIZ disk level was lower or when there were HIZs exhibited in more disks; however, the difference was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

High-intensity zones occurred frequently at lower segments, inferior part of annulus fibrosus, and single disk.


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