Significance of High-intensity Zone of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc on MRI in Diagnosing Discogenic Low Back Pain

Objective To discuss the correlation of high-intensity zone (HIZ)of lumbar intervertebral disc on MRI and discogenic Iow back pain. Metbods To choose 22 cases low back pain patients from April 2009 to November 2010,all the patients had treated with the expectant treatment but were of no effects , and no lumbar disc protrusions on CT, and to be checked by MRI and lumbar discography.To evaluate the value of high-intensity zone(HIZ) of lumbar intervertebral disc on MRI and discogenic low back pain. Results 22 cases low back pain patients had 68 intervertebral disks would be done the lumbar discography, 26 intervertebral disks had reproduce pain reactions, and 12 intervertebral disks were showing high-intensity zone. The intervertebral disks in 12 high-intensity zones were all appearing 2 to3 degree broken annulus fibrosus and reproduce pain reactions .Conclusion The low back pain patients with no lumbar disc protrusions on MRI in diagnosing, there are intervertebral disks in high-intensity zone, to account for the intervertebral disk is to produce the painful broken annulus fibrosus, and also to indicate the HIZ can be diagnose discogenic low back pain. Key words: Discogenic low back pain; Lumbar discography; Magnetic resonance imaging; High-intensity zone