MRI Evaluation of Modic Changes and Schmorl?s Nodes in Patients with Low Back Pain

Background: The prevalence of LBP in Indian population has been found to vary between 6.2% (in general population) to 92% (in construction workers). Many structural components of spine are responsible for low backpain of degenerative etiology including the intervertebral disc, vertebral periosteum, facet joints and spinal ligaments. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the role of MRI in the evaluation of Modic changes and Schmorl?s nodes in patients with low backpain. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on forty patients with chief complaint of low back pain Results: Of the 40 patients evaluated with MRI lumbosacral spine for low backpain, Modic changes were seen in 8 patients (20.0%) and Schmorl?s nodes were seen in 7 patients (17.5%). Conclusion: It was concluded that MRI is a useful and safe modality for the evaluation of lumbar vertebral pathologies like Modic changes and Schmorl?s nodes in patients with LBP.