Indication of conservative treatment using MRI in lumbar disc herniation

Abstract

306 patients (227 male and 79 female) with an average age of 44.2 years, diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation were treated by nerve root block, and followed for more than 6 months. Clinical determinations were JOA scores, effect of nerve root block. The level, localization, size, migration and T2 weighted intensity of the disc herniations were determined by MRI. 105 of 189 cases were deemed unsuitable for surgical intervention. They presented with an average JOA score of 12.5 points. Nerve root block outcomes were “excellent” in 71 cases, “good” in 73 cases and “poor” in 162 cases. Our study concluded that in cases of paracentral type herniation with mild migration, lateral hernations, and sized more than 1/3 the volume of the spinal canal, spinal nerve root block proved to be ineffective while, spinal nerve root block was more effective in addressing central lumbar disc herniation, paracentral type herniation with severe migration and disc herniation with T2 weighted high intensity. As a result of our research we were able to create a map of lumbar disc herniation indicating appropriate treatment approaches.