Association Between Clinical Features And Imaging Findings In Patients With Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Single Centre Study

Introduction Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is characterized by the narrowing of spinal areas such as the central canal and lateral recess, leading to symptoms like lower extremity pain and neurogenic intermittent claudication due to compressed neural and vascular structures. Despite the clear symptoms, defining LSS through imaging and clinical criteria remains challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for identifying these anatomical changes, yet its effectiveness is questioned due to the presence of imaging-defined LSS in asymptomatic individuals. This study seeks to enhance MRI evaluation methods and investigate the correlation between clinical manifestations of LSS and imaging findings, aiming to establish a practical morphological classification for clinical relevance. Methodology The study utilized a retrospective analysis of medical records from a large tertiary care center, focusing on patients diagnosed with lumbosacral disorders. Demographic data were collected and analyzed for age and sex distribution. Clinical data included diagnoses and MRI findings, which were categorized and quantified. The prevalence of specific signs of L5 and S1 radiculopathy was also assessed through clinical examination records. Results The mean age of patients was slightly higher for females (46.8 years) than males (46.3 years), with a greater variability in age among males (standard deviation: males 14.5 years, females 12.7 years). The most common diagnosis was Posterior Intervertebral Disc (PIVD), accounting for 80.7% of cases. MRI findings revealed that disc prolapse was the most prevalent issue, noted in 56.4% of patients. Clinical signs consistent with L5 radiculopathy, such as Extensor Hallucis Longus weakness, were present in 60% of patients, while signs of S1 radiculopathy like absent ankle jerk reflex were observed in 67.2% of cases. Discussion The study highlights a slight age variation between genders and a higher incidence of PIVD among lumbosacral disorders. The significant prevalence of disc prolapse on MRI and the common clinical manifestations of L5 and S1 radiculopathy underline the need for thorough clinical and radiological assessments in diagnosing and managing these conditions. The data suggest that targeted interventions based on specific diagnostic findings may improve patient outcomes. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the importance of demographic and clinical profiling in understanding and managing lumbosacral disorders. The high prevalence of PIVD and specific MRI findings such as disc prolapse should prompt clinicians to consider these factors in their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the frequent clinical signs of radiculopathy observed underline the critical role of comprehensive clinical evaluations in the effective treatment of spinal disorders