Radiological features of chronic low back pain (LBP) in adult Sri Lankans; A case control study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic LBP affects 30% of adult Sri Lankans. The presence of vertebral osteophytes, spondylolisthesis and disc space narrowing are thought to be important contributing factors of LBP. No studies have been done in Sri Lanka, investigating the importance of these in LBP. Objective: To determine the association between chronic LBP and vertebral osteophytes, spondylolisthesis and disc space narrowing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was done in two hospitals in Ragama. Cases and controls were selected from medical, surgical and orthopaedic wards and clinics. They were matched for age and sex. Subjects who were 18 years and above with chronic LBP (more than three months) were selected as cases. Patients who were 18 years and above without LBP were selected as controls. They had symptoms such as abdominal pain and dysuria requiring radiography. In both groups postero-anterior and lateral radiographic appearances of the lumbar spine were studied. RESULTS: There were 130 cases and 130 controls. Age range was 18 -82 years. Mean age of patients was 49.3 years (SD 15). Mean age of controls was 51.4 years (SD 17). Females constituted 62% of cases and controls. Vertebral osteophytes were present in 72% of cases and 64% of controls (P = 0.184). Spondylolisthesis was present in 8% of cases and 7% of controls (P = 0.959). Disc space narrowing was present in 15% of cases and 2% of controls (OR = 7.8, P =0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Disc space narrowing was significantly higher in patients with LBP.