Comparative Study of Different Diagnostic Methods in Patients with Lumbosacral Herniated Intervertebral Disc |
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Abstract |
Objective : To investigate the relationship between the severity of herniated intervertebral disc(HIVD) judged from magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and clinical findings from physical examination or electrodiagnostic test. Method : MRI and Electrodiagnostic test were evaluated in 46 patients with radiculopathy symptoms. Clinical parameters were straight leg rasing test(SLRT), motor or sensory abnormalities on physical examination. Electro-diagnostic parameters included F wave, electromyography(EMG), somatosensory evoked potential(SSEP) and magnetic evoked potential(MEP). The severity of HIVD on MRI findings were classified into 3 categories; bulging disc(Group 1), protruded disc(Group 2), and extruded disc(Group 3). Results : The severity of herniated intervertebral disc(HIVD) was well correlated with diagnostic findings such as SLRT(p<0.01), SSEP(p<0.01), EMG(p<0.01), and F-wave(p<0.05) but not correlated with those in MEP, sensory abnormality and motor weakness. Conclusion : These results suggest that among the above diagnostic tests, especially SSEP may be the most useful test to p redict the severity of HIVD and that several tests should be done together to make precise diagnosis and treatment plan in HIVD patients. |
Key Words:
Herniated intervertebral disc, Electrodiagnosis |
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