Reliability of readings of magnetic resonance imaging features of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Study Design: A reliability assessment of standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretations and measurements.

Objective: To determine the intra- and inter-reader reliability of MRI features of lumbar spinal stenosis (SPS), including severity of central, subarticular, and foraminal stenoses, grading of nerve root impingement, and measurements of cross-sectional area of the spinal canal and thecal sac.

Summary Of Background Data: MRI is commonly used to assess patients with spinal stenosis.

Reliability of magnetic resonance imaging readings for lumbar disc herniation in the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT).

Study Design: Assessment of the reliability of standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretations and measurements.

Objective: To determine the intra- and inter-reader reliability of MRI parameters relevant to patients with intervertebral disc herniation (IDH), including disc morphology classification, degree of thecal sac compromise, grading of nerve root impingement, and measurements of cross-sectional area of the spinal canal, thecal sac, and disc fragment.

Summary Of Background Data: MRI is increasingly used to assess patients with sciatica and IDH, but the relationship between specific imaging characteristics and patient outcomes remains uncertain.