Role of magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in upright position in low back pain patients

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is a common symptom and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine are the leading cause of low back pain, with or without nerve root involvement. In many people, symptoms worsen when standing or walking. Upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine can help evaluate the changes of the lumbar spine in a weight-bearing position, thereby avoiding missing significant lesions.

Objective: This study aimed to compare some image features between supine and standing MRI of the lumbar spine.

Method: A retrospective and cross-sectional study of 144 patients who presented low back pain and obtained MRI of the lumbar spine in supine and upright positions at open MRI 0.25T G-scan.

Result: In comparison with the supine position, the standing position resulted in decreased disc height, increased foraminal and spinal canal stenosis, and increased degree of herniation, as well as decreased anteroposterior diameter at the level of the intervertebral disc space with statistically significant changes. However, there was no significant change in spondylolisthesis.

Conclusion: Some characteristics have significant changes between the upright and supine position MRI of the lumbar spine