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European Spine Journal

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01-05-2016 | Original Article

Paraspinal muscle asymmetry and fat infiltration in patients with symptomatic disc herniation

Authors: Maryse Fortin, Àron Lazáry, Peter Paul Varga, Iain McCall, Michele C. Battié

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate asymmetry in size and composition of the multifidus and erector spinae in patients with posterolateral disc herniation and concordant radicular symptoms, and determine whether symptom duration is associated with degree of asymmetry.

Methods

Thirty-three patients diagnosed with posterolateral disc herniation at L4–L5 verified on imaging and concordant leg pain were included. Multifidus and erector spinae cross-sectional area (CSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA, fat-free area), signal intensity and ratio of FCSA to total CSA were measured bilaterally from T ₂-weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at L3–L4, L4–L5, L5–S1 and S1 levels.

Results

No side-to-side differences in multifidus CSA, FCSA, and ratio of FCSA/CSA reached statistical significance at any spinal level. The multifidus signal intensity at L5–S1 was significantly greater (more fatty infiltration) on the side of the disc herniation. The erector spinae FCSA (lean muscle mass) at L5–S1 was found to be significantly smaller on the side of the herniation and the ratio of FCSA/CSA was smaller (more fatty infiltration) on the side of the herniation at L4–L5 and L5–S1. The degree of muscle asymmetry was not associated with symptoms duration.

Conclusions

There was no significant asymmetry of the multifidus at spinal level above, same or level below the disc herniation. Instead, variations in muscle composition were observed, with greater fat infiltration on the side and at spinal levels adjacent to the disc herniation. Muscle asymmetry was not correlated with symptom duration.

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Title: Paraspinal muscle asymmetry and fat infiltration in patients with symptomatic disc herniation
Authors: Maryse Fortin
Àron Lazáry
Peter Paul Varga
Iain McCall
Michele C. Battié
Publication date: 01-05-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4503-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Paraspinal muscle asymmetry and fat infiltration in patients with symptomatic disc herniation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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