Assessment of Myofiber-type Transformation in Rats with Discogenic Low Back Pain Using Diffusion Tensor Image of Paraspinal Muscles

Motivation: The development of discogenic low back pain (DLBP) and myofiber-type transformation in paraspinal muscles are strongly related. However, the impact of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in identifying myofiber-type transformation in paraspinal muscles remains uncertain. Goal(s): Exploring the value of DTI in evaluating myofiber-type transformation in paraspinal muscles, and contributing to improved clinical diagnosis and intervention strategies for DLBP. Approach: Prospective case-controlled animal experiments and establish the DLBP model in rats. DTI scanning and immunofluorescence of myofibers were performed to assess myofiber-type transformation. Results: The fractional anisotropy (FA) was identified as a noninvasive imaging marker for detecting myofiber-type transformation in DLBP rats (r=0.4930, P<0.05). Impact: Detection of myofiber-type in muscle biopsies is challenging. By utilizing DTI, clinicians can diagnose pathological alterations in paraspinal muscles early on, intervene quickly, and alleviate the burden on patients before the pain worsens.