DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i12.019

Pages: 4871-4875

To evaluate the role of plain radiograph in young adults with low back ache and its correlation with MRI. A descriptive study involving 150 patients with low backache, referred to the Radiology department in Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, for plain radiographic and MR imaging evaluation over a period between March 2016 and April 2017. All patients referred for radiological evaluation of low backache in the age group of 20 – 40 years and of both sexes were included in the study. After getting detailed history of the patient, Plain radiography of lumbosacral spine in antero-posterior and lateral projection was taken followed by MR imaging of spine done by using the following sequences. Plain radiography is an excellent modality in evaluating the causes for lumbar pain as a primary or a screening tool. Various pathologies evaluated using plain radiography like osteophytes, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, and facetal joint arthrosis were either equal to or more sensitive in diagnosing than magnetic resonance imaging. Except disc changes which were evaluated using plain radiography are less sensitive and specific than Magnetic resonance imaging. Various pathologies like disc changes, thecal sac indentation, annular tear and others found in this study could not be evaluated by plain radiograph and leaves a large vacuum in diagnosing the etiologies of low back ache.