Magnetic Resonance Imaging Patterns of the Lumbosacral Spine in Low Back Pain at LASUTH, Lagos: A Narrative Review of Findings and Clinical Implications

TO STUDY THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS AND CLINICAL SEVERITYIN PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN

Higher MRI grades of lumbar degeneration were associated with greater functional disability in patients with LBP, and MRI grading may aid structural assessment in appropriately selected symptomatic patients, but findings should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical evaluation.

Lumbar spinal stenosis in axial spondyloarthritis and chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study with clinical dimensions

Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Imaging Profiles and Their Association with Low Back Pain in Dentists: A Cluster Analysis Study

Age appeared to influence the clinical expression of the disc–facet degenerative profile of the lumbar MRI-derived structural profiles in dentists, suggesting that lumbar MRI findings should be interpreted within a broader, age-sensitive clinical context rather than as isolated determinants of symptoms.

Lumbar Plexus Disorders Presenting as Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review of a Practical Diagnostic Imaging Approach

The review summarizes the relevant anatomy, clinical presentation, and key imaging features of the most common plexus pathologies, including retroperitoneal tumors, psoas hematomas, inflammatory plexopathies, and iatrogenic injuries.

Thoracolumbar Fascial Defect in Persistent Low Back Pain After Lumbar Surgery: Ultrasound Findings and Response to Fascial Plane Injection

Abstract Introduction: Persistent low back pain (LBP) after lumbar spine surgery is commonly attributed to recurrent stenosis, neural compression, or degenerative changes. Abnormalities of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) after lumbar surgery have rarely been reported as a potential source of pain. We describe a patient with persistent post-operative LBP in whom musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) demonstrated a focal fascial defect corresponding to the painful region. Case Report: A 65-year-old man presented with LBP 2 years after lumbar surgery for spinal stenosis. Evaluation revealed no neurological deficit or indication for further surgery. US demonstrated a focal midline defect of the TLF between the L2 and L3 levels. US-guided injection of 2 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and 3 mL normal saline beneath the affected fascial plane was performed. Pain decreased at both 1-week and 1-month follow-up. Conclusion: This case highlights a sonographically visible thoracolumbar fascial defect in a patient with persistent LBP following lumbar surgery. The favorable response to US-guided fascial plane injection suggests that post-operative fascial abnormalities may represent an underrecognized pain generator in selected patients. Studies are required to clarify their clinical significance and therapeutic implications.

Clinicoradiological Evaluation of Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis: MRI-Based Assessment of Vertebral Destruction, Epidural Extension, and Neurological Involvement in Patients with Pott's Disease

Background: Thoracic spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) remains one of the most common forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and is a major cause of spinal deformity, instability, and neurological deficits, particularly in developing countries. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the early diagnosis, assessment of disease extent, and treatment planning by accurately depicting vertebral destruction, epidural extension, spinal cord compression, and paraspinal soft tissue involvement. Objective: To evaluate the clinicoradiological characteristics of thoracic spinal tuberculosis using MRI, with particular emphasis on vertebral destruction, epidural extension, spinal cord compression, and their association with neurological involvement. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients clinically and radiologically diagnosed with thoracic spinal tuberculosis at a tertiary care neurosurgical center. Demographic details, clinical presentation, neurological status, laboratory findings, and MRI features were systematically recorded. MRI parameters included the number of vertebral bodies involved, degree of vertebral collapse, intervertebral disc involvement, epidural abscess, paravertebral collections, spinal canal compromise, kyphotic deformity, and spinal cord signal abnormalities. Neurological impairment was graded using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. Clinicoradiological correlations were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Most patients presented with persistent back pain, constitutional symptoms, and varying degrees of lower-limb weakness. MRI commonly demonstrated contiguous vertebral body involvement, endplate destruction, reduced disc height, large paravertebral abscesses, and significant epidural extension causing spinal cord compression. Patients with extensive vertebral destruction and marked epidural compression were more likely to exhibit severe neurological deficits (p < 0.05). Intramedullary T2-weighted hyperintensity was significantly associated with poorer neurological status. MRI findings showed excellent correlation with clinical severity and assisted in identifying patients requiring early surgical decompression. Conclusion: MRI is an indispensable imaging modality for the comprehensive evaluation of thoracic spinal tuberculosis. The extent of vertebral destruction, epidural extension, and spinal cord involvement strongly correlates with neurological impairment. Early MRI-based assessment facilitates timely diagnosis, risk stratification, and individualized management, thereby improving neurological recovery and reducing long-term disability in patients with Pott's disease. Keywords: Thoracic spinal tuberculosis, Pott's disease, Magnetic resonance imaging, Vertebral destruction, Epidural extension, Spinal cord compression, Neurological deficit, ASIA Impairment Scale