Faran Nasrullah, Mashkoor Ahmad, Abdul Qayyum, Rashid Mahmood.
Classifying the Causes of Chronic Low Backache in Young Soldiers, using MRI as Diagnostic Modality.
Isra Med J Jan ;9(2):62-4.

OBJECTIVE: To classify the causes of chronic low backache in young soldiers, using MRI as diagnostic modality. STUDY DESIGN: An observational study th th PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Radiology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar from 16 Sep 2014 to 15 Sep 2015. METHODOLOGY: Soldiers of 20 to 40 years age group, with history of low backache lasting for more than 12 weeks, referred to the radiology department from surgical/orthopedics/neurosurgical OPD for MRI, were evaluated. T1 and T2 weighted images in axial and sagittal planes were performed on 1.5 T machine. Contrast enhanced T1 weighted images were carried out in case of any mass lesion. RESULTS: Degenerative disc disease was the commonest cause seen in 94 % patients, followed by trauma in 2.6 % and infection in 2 % patients. Congenital and neoplastic causes were less common. Commonest disc degenerative disease was disc bulge, seen in 87 % patients, followed by disc herniation seen in 13 % patients. CONCLUSION: MRI is a simple, noninvasive and effective imaging method, useful in classifying the causes of low backache. Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of chronic low backache in young soldiers, diagnosed by MRI.

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