Three-dimensional reconstruction of intervertebral disc based on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute low back pain

The aim of the study is to evaluate the morphology of the intervertebral discs visible in the magnetic resonance image in patients with sudden severe low back pain (with or without radiation of pain to the lower limb). The second goal of the study is to perform a digital three-plane reconstruction of the intervertebral disc and to compare this technique with a standard magnetic resonance imaging test. Twenty-five patients, mean age 35.5 years, all with acute low back pain, were examined. We compared the 3D MR models with standard MRI scans by measuring seven MRI parameters. In patients with sudden, severe low back pain, with clinical symptoms suggesting an etiology within the intervertebral disc, changes in a standard MRI are found consisting of the presence of a hernia / protrusion of the intervertebral disc and lowering the height of the intervertebral disc - with lowering the disc height occurs to a greater extent in the rear section. The 3D reconstruction is a reliable 3D representation of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies.