Correlation of morphological parameters of disc degeneration with magnetic resonance imaging in cases of discogenic axial low back pain in a hospital setting in Kinshasa: case of the center medical Diamond

Abstract

Discogenic axial low back pain remains difficult to define, diagnose and treat, as there is no international consensus standard for the definition of discogenic pain. This study aimed to explore the MRI assessment features associated with discogenic low back pain in the Kinshasa population attending the Diamond Medical Center. This was a single-center retrospective study involving 81 patients (including 41 men and 40 women), selected from medical records who had undergone an MRI of the lumbar spine at the Diamant Medical Center in a 14-month period between September 2022 and December 2023. The statistical tests were applied to describe determinants of discogenic low back pain on lumbar MRI were defined by a statistical significance threshold set at p < 0.05. The mean age was 54.01±16.8 years range (4-83 years), with males slightly predominant (50.6%). The 50-65 years age group was the most represented (37%). The relationship between the Pfirrmann scale and Modic changes was statistically significant in all segments and also increased significantly with the age group. The correlations between the Pfirrmann scale and the Total Plaque Score were overall very weak. No segment presented a statistically significant correlation.The present study identified disc degeneration as the key morphological element of discogenic axial low back pain, which can affect all disc levels at any age, with a prevalence of subjects over 50 years of age. Although factors such as trauma, nutrition, and genetics, may also contribute, The relationship between aging, the degenerative, and low back pain remains unclear.