Algorithm of Radiological Diagnostics of Dystrophic Damage to Ligaments of the Lumbosacral Spine in the Lower Back Pain Syndrome: the Potential of Sonography

Abstract

Objective: to formulate the main points of the diagnostic algorithm in the lower back pain syndrome caused by pathology of the ilio-lumbar, posterior long sacroiliac, and sacrotuberal ligaments based on the limits and potential of visualization methods. Material. Data of X-ray, multispiral computer tomography (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonography of 184 patients aged 19-79 with clinical manifestations of the lower back pain syndrome caused by pathology of the ilio-lumbar, posterior long sacroiliac, and sacrotuberal ligaments were analyzed. Results. The potential of the visualization methods in the assessment of structural changes of the ilio-lumbar, posterior long sacroiliac, and sacrotuberal ligaments has been identified. The main points of the algorithm which makes it possible to diagnose the lower back pain syndrome, caused by pathology of ilio-lumbar, posterior long sacroiliac and sacrotuberal ligaments have been formulated. Conclusion. The choice of the visualization method in the lower back pain syndrome, caused by ligamentosis of the ilio-lumbar, posterior long sacroiliac, and sacrotuberal ligaments must be made taking into account the limits and potential of MSCT, MRI and sonography, which will shorten the time of diagnostic search and reduce the risk of diagnostic errors.