Are first-time episodes of serious LBP associated with new MRI findings?

Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is frequently used to evaluate first-time episodes of serious low back pain (LBP). Common degenerative findings are often interpreted as recent developments and the probable anatomic cause of the new symptoms. To date no prospective study has established a baseline MR status of the lumbar spine in subjects without significant LBP problems and prospectively surveyed these subjects for acute changes shortly after new and serious LBP episodes.

Surgical treatment for unstable low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults: a prospective controlled study of posterior instrumented fusion compared with combined anterior-posterior fusion.

Background Context: The surgical treatment for low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults with intractable lumbar pain is usually spinal fusion. It has been postulated that anterior column reconstruction may be relatively advantageous in those patients with unstable slips.

Purpose: To compare the early and medium term treatment efficacy of two common fusion techniques in isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Prospective controlled study of the development of lower back pain in previously asymptomatic subjects undergoing experimental discography.

Study Design: A prospective controlled longitudinal study.

Objectives: To determine whether subjects, asymptomatic for lower back problems, who undergo experimental discography, will develop lower back problems during the medium term to the full term.

Summary Of Background Data: Previous work has shown significant pain on discographic injection in approximately 40% of asymptomatic subjects.