The serpentine pattern on MRI as an early prognostic factor after fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis

• Published in: Medicine (Baltimore) 2022-11, Vol.101 (47), p.e31573-e31573
• Main Authors: Bae, In-Suk, Moon, Byung Gwan, Kang, Hee In, Kim, Jae Hoon, Kim, Deok Ryeong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gene Fusion; Humans; Lumbosacral Region; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Observational Study; Prognosis; Spinal Stenosis - diagnostic imaging; Spinal Stenosis - surgery
• ISSN: 1536-5964; 0025-7974; 1536-5964
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031573

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the serpentine pattern nerve roots (SNR) and prognosis after lumbar fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing clinical outcomes in patients with or without a serpentine pattern. LSS patients with neurological symptoms often present with SNRs. Several studies have shown that LLS symptoms are worse in patients with SNRs. However, the relationship between SNR and outcome after spinal fusion surgery has not yet been established. A total of 332 patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were enrolled. Patients were divided into those with a serpentine pattern (S group) and those without a serpentine pattern (N group). The prognosis of the 2 groups was compared using visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index, claudication distance, medication dose for leg dysesthesia, and glucose tolerance. A total of 113 patients had a serpentine pattern, while the remaining 219 did not. Symptom duration and presence of diabetes mellitus were significantly different between the 2 groups (N = 25.4, S = 32.6, P