Application of MRI imaging parameters in lumbar spine diseases: a review of the literature

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to review the application of MRI imaging parameters in lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD) and related complications after lumbar surgery, and to explore its application scope, advantages and diagnostic value.

Materials and methods: This study provides a comprehensive review of the application of MRI imaging parameters in LDD. The measurement methods of each imaging parameter were described in detail, and the clinical significance of each parameter in LDD and postoperative complications of lumbar spine was summarized.

Results: Studies have shown that reduced paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), increased fat infiltration rate (FIR), and smaller lumbar depression value (LIV) are risk factors for the development of LDD and postoperative complications of lumbar spine (vertebral fracture, screw loosening, cage subsidence, etc). The vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score reflects vertebral bone quality and correlates significantly with DXA T-value and QCT BMD value, which can effectively identifying patients with osteopenia or normal bone quality. At the same time,elevated VBQ score is a significant predictor of the occurrence of osteoporosis, postoperative screw loosening and fusion cage subsidence in the lumbar spine.

Conclusion: Our study showed that MRI imaging-related parameters are widely used in clinical practice, which can quantitatively reflect the quality of paravertebral muscles, the degree of fat infiltration, and vertebral bone density. They have important guiding significance for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lumbar spine diseases.