Simplified Universal Grading of Lumbar Spine MRI Degenerative Findings: Inter-Reader Agreement of Non-Radiologist Spine Experts

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nityanand Miskin ◽  
Zacharia Isaac ◽  
Yi Lu ◽  
Melvin C Makhni ◽  
Danielle L Sarno ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective 1) To describe a simplified multidisciplinary grading system for the most clinically relevant lumbar spine degenerative changes. 2) To measure the inter-reader variability among non-radiologist spine experts in their use of the classification system for interpretation of a consecutive series of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Methods ATS multidisciplinary and collaborative standardized grading of spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, lateral recess stenosis, and facet arthropathy was developed. Our institution’s picture archiving and communication system was searched for 50 consecutive patients who underwent non-contrast MRI of the lumbar spine for chronic back pain, radiculopathy, or symptoms of spinal stenosis. Three fellowship-trained spine subspecialists from neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and physiatry interpreted the 50 exams using the classification at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels. Inter-reader agreement was assessed with Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results For spinal stenosis, the readers demonstrated substantial agreement (κ = 0.702). For foraminal stenosis and facet arthropathy, the three readers demonstrated moderate agreement (κ = 0.544, and 0.557, respectively). For lateral recess stenosis, there was fair agreement (κ = 0.323). Conclusions A simplified universal grading system of lumbar spine MRI degenerative findings is newly described. Use of this multidisciplinary grading system in the assessment of clinically relevant degenerative changes revealed moderate to substantial agreement among non-radiologist spine physicians. This standardized grading system could serve as a foundation for interdisciplinary communication.

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 100240
Author(s):  
Jiong Hao Tan ◽  
Lei Zhu ◽  
Kaiyuan Yang ◽  
Hiroshi Yoshioka ◽  
Beng Chin Ooi ◽  
...  

Radiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 204289
Author(s):  
James Thomas Patrick Decourcy Hallinan ◽  
Lei Zhu ◽  
Kaiyuan Yang ◽  
Andrew Makmur ◽  
Diyaa Abdul Rauf Algazwi ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (06) ◽  
pp. 475-483
Author(s):  
Seung-Kook Kim ◽  
Sungmo Ryu ◽  
Eun-Sang Kim ◽  
Sun-Ho Lee ◽  
Su-Chan Lee

Abstract Background and Study Aims Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common spinal disease in older adults. Although surgical modalities are recommended in patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatment, the most appropriate minimally invasive surgical procedure for patients with LSS remains controversial. Moreover, few previous studies have focused on patient-centered outcomes with radiologic correlation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate radiologic efficacy and patient satisfaction following bilateral decompression via unilateral laminotomy. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of radiologic efficacy and patient satisfaction in a series of surgical patients treated at our institution. We classified patients into two groups based on the primary pathology (i.e., central or lateral recess stenosis). Medical records were analyzed retrospectively for radiologic outcomes and clinical parameters including pain and changes in quality of life. Data related to outcomes were collected at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery in the outpatient clinic. Results Among the 122 patients enrolled in this study, 51 had central spinal stenosis; 71 had lateral recess stenosis. Radiologically, we observed significant improvements in the anteroposterior diameter and cross-sectional area of the dural sac (central stenosis) and the lateral width of the central canal and depth of the lateral recess (lateral recess stenosis). Two weeks and 12 months after the surgical procedure, we observed significant improvements in the extent of symptoms, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (including physical function). Conclusion Our findings suggest that bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach shows improved radiologic outcomes, varying based on the type of stenosis. Furthermore, patient satisfaction significantly improved regardless of the type of disease.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonathan Gebrewold ◽  
Bati Tesfaye

Abstract Background: Low back pain (LBP) has become one of the most serious public health problems with substantial socioeconomic implication. Degenerative disc disease one of the commonest cause of LBP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely utilized in evaluation patients with degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. However there are contradictors reports with regards to association of MRI findings of lumbar spine and patients’ symptoms.Objective: This study is aimed determine correlation of degree of disability with lumbar spine MRI findings in patients with LBP at University of Gondar comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH), North West Ethiopia, 2020.Methods and Materials. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 consecutively enrolled patients with lower back pain who underwent lumbar MRI scan. Degree of disability was measured using Oswestry disability Index (ODI) questionnaire translated to local language. Association between lumbar spine MRI parameters and ODI score and category was tested using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Chi square tests. Results The mean age the study subjects was 43.81±1.88 years (range 22-83 years). 59.7% of the study population were Female. In terms of ODI category, most fell under minimal and moderate disability 33 (45.8%) and 25(34.7%) respectively. Disc bulge (81.9%) and foraminal stenosis were the most frequent MRI abnormalities detected. ODI score showed weak correlation with grade of spinal canal stenosis. Foraminal stenosis grade was not correlated ODI.Conclusion: The clinical relevance of MRI findings in patients with degenerative disc disease is limited and MRI should be sparingly ordered in evaluation of these patients particularly in resource constrained settings.


1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parviz Kambin ◽  
Kenneth Casey ◽  
Evan O'Brien ◽  
Linqui Zhou

✓ The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of arthroscopic decompression of lateral recess stenosis, determine potential associated complications, and present an alternative method to access the lateral recess of the lumbar spine. Forty patients were selected in whom the authors found clinical and computerized tomography evidence of lateral recess stenosis and sequestered foraminal herniations. All 40 were treated with a posterolateral arthroscopic technique, and 38 were available for this follow-up evaluation. A satisfactory result was obtained in 31 patients (82%). No neurovascular complications were encountered; however, other complications included an infection of the disc space in one patient and a causalgic-type pain in the involved extremity in four patients. The associated postoperative morbidity in this group of patients was minimal and resulted in rapid rehabilitation and return of patients to preoperative functioning level.


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