Lumbar MRI Can Predict Success of Conservative Treatment of Disc Herniation

Background: Degenerative spine disease with disc protrusion is a common condition, which can lead to significant symptoms. Although the initial treatment is often conservative, the determination of the need for a more aggressive approach with surgical intervention is challenging. Since some cases of disc resorption and resolution of symptoms have been reported, identifying the findings on MRI that might predict this improvement are not well documented. Objective: To identify MRI findings that might predict resolution of symptoms from spinal disc disease. Design: Prospective trial. Participants: Patients who had undergone lumbar MRI and neurological examinations twice within 90 days. Consenting patients who met inclusion criteria underwent conservative treatment protocols. Methods: The quantitative measurements were based on the first lumbar MRI. The evaluation for disc resorption was based on the comparison with the second lumbar MRI. Two experienced radiologists examined the sagitta more...