ABNORMAL LUMBAR MRIs ARE COMMON IN ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine often detects "abnormalities" of uncertain clinical significance. These researchers report a high prevalence of abnormal MRI findings in . . .

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine often detects "abnormalities" of uncertain clinical significance. These researchers report a high prevalence of abnormal MRI findings in 98 people, aged 20 to 80, who had no history of back pain.

Each of the five lumbosacral disks was examined for herniation -- specifically bulge (circumferential symmetric extension), protrusion (focal or asymmetric extension), or extrusion (more extreme extension). The 98 MRI scans were mixed with abnormal MRIs from patients with back pain to reduce bias among the interpreting radiologists. Of the asymptomatic subjects, 52 percent had at least one disk bulge, 27 percent had protrusion, and 1 percent had extrusion. Bulges were more common with advancing age, and…

Reviewing Author

AS Brett