2008 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 108-111
We assessed changes in the intensity (from low to high) of the multifidus muscles on T2 weighted MRI images after performing surgery by the spinous process splitting approach for LCS. The changes in the intensity of these muscles were classified into 4 grades. Grade 0: almost no change; Grade 1: Less than 50% of the muscle area showed a change in intensity; Grade 2: Between 50 and 80% of the muscle area showed a change in intensity; Grade 3: High intensity extended throughout the whole (over 80%) muscle. As a result, the ratio indicating Grade 2 or 3 was 25% for one intervertebral procedure, 32.5% for two intervertebral procedures, and 46.7% for three intervertebral procedures. It is thought that the change in signal intensity increases with the number of intervertebral procedures.
