Quantitative Evaluation of the Compressed L5 and S1 Nerve Roots in Unilateral Lumbar Disc Herniation by Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Background and Purpose Nerve root compression by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) induces a series of clinical symptoms, seriously affecting the patient’s life and work. The purpose of this study is to investigate microstructural changes and fiber bundle abnormalities of the compressed L5 and S1 nerve roots in young patients with unilateral LDH by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).