Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging of lumbar disc herniation

We studied the accuracy of MRI in lumbar disc herniation, comparing the results with the operative findings in the assessment of the rupture of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), and type of herniation. The MRI findings in 47 subjects who were operated on for lumbar disc herniation were retrospectively studied. The accuracy rate was 75.2% for the rupture of the PLL and 40.4% for the type of herniation respectively. It was hard to differentiate subligamentous extrusion from transligamentous extrusion on MRI. (author)