Correlation Between Preoperative MRI Findings and Postoperative Outcomes in Lumbar Disc Herniation

• MUHAMMAD ARHAM RAUF

  Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore

  Author

• MUHAMMAD MOHID MAQSOOD

  Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore

  Author

• MALIK FARAZ AHMAD

  Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore

  Author

• MUHAMMAD ASAWIR IMRAN

  Author

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent spinal condition causing significant morbidity and functional impairment. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) serves as the gold standard for diagnosis; however, its role in predicting postoperative outcomes remains debated.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the correlation between preoperative MRI findings and postoperative functional outcomes among patients undergoing microdiscectomy for LDH.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at tertiary care centers across Punjab, Pakistan, from January 2023 to February 2025, involving 100 patients aged 25–60 years with MRI-confirmed single-level LDH. Preoperative MRI parameters—including type of herniation (protrusion, extrusion, sequestration), size, and degree of nerve root compression—were assessed. Postoperative recovery was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at three months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, and correlations were determined using Pearson’s coefficient, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The mean age of patients was 43.6 ± 9.8 years, with 62% males and 38% females. The most common level of involvement was L5–S1 (54%). Patients with protruded discs and mild-to-moderate nerve compression showed significant improvement in postoperative ODI and VAS scores, while those with sequestered discs and severe compression demonstrated delayed recovery. A strong positive correlation was observed between MRI severity grading and postoperative ODI scores (r = 0.61, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Preoperative MRI findings, particularly herniation type and nerve root compression severity, significantly predict postoperative outcomes following microdiscectomy. MRI-based grading aids in prognostication and individualized surgical planning.

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