MRI-Surgical Correlation in Lumbar Disc Hernia

Operated herniated nucleus pulposus in lumbar spine was compared to preoperative findings of magnetic resonance imaging. Thirty-five cases were studied. Types of hernia were classified in T2 weigted sagittal images. Ruptures of the posterior longitudinal ligament were indicated in T1 weighted images, its accuracy being 91%, T1 weighed transverse images showed th dorsal root ganglion clearly. MRI was useful not only for detecting the mass of hernia but also for considering the roots in lumbar disc hernia.