Diffusion Tensor Imaging Of Lumbosacral Nerve Roots In Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation

Objective: To explore the changes of paraments and tractography of compressed nerve roots before and three months after operation on diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)and relationship between the paraments and symptoms assessed with the Oswestry disability index(ODI)and the visual analogue score(VAS)in patients with lumbar disc herniation.Methods: Twenty-five patients confirmed by operation for single compressed nerve root with lumbar disc herniation who underwent DTI scaning before and after operation were enrolled;All patients were scored using ODI and VAS,and the areas of characteristic leg pain were compared with compressed nerve root for ODI and VAS.Results: First: FA values of the compressed and normal nerve roots of the patients before operation were 0.261±0.050?0.360±0.046,and after operation 0.335±0.034?0.359±0.046,respectively;ADC values before operation were(1.693±0.323)×10-3mm2/s?(1.559±0.214)×10-3mm2/s,and after operation(1.607±0.270)×10-3mm2/s?(1.558±0.213)×10-3mm2/s,respectively.Second: Diffusion tensor tractography can clearly display the lumbsacral nerve roots,The shape of the compressed nerve roots were slender(18 cases)and local defects(7 cases)before operation as they showed plump,partial of the defect site extended to near three months after operation.Lastly,Negative correlation was found between FA values of the compressed nerve roots before operation and ODI and VAS,but no correlation between ADC values and ODI and VAS;also no correlation neither of them after operation.Conclusion: DTI is a potential tool for diagnose,quantitate and follow-up patients with compressed nerve roots of lumbar disc herniation.