Radiological Evaluation of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Height in Western Maharashtra Population

Introduction: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the gender difference in intervertebral disc heights and the relationship between age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI), with intervertebral disc heights in males and females with low back pain (LBP) in Maratha community in Western Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 people between 20 and 60 years old who presented with LBP. Height was measured using a stadiometer, and weight was measured using an electronic weighing balance. The patient’s BMI was calculated. Anteroposterior and lateral spine X-rays of subjects were obtained without using any contrast media. The X-ray report was analysed using RadiAnt DICOM viewer version 5.0.0.21906 (64 bits) software. Results: The L1–L2 anterior disc height ( P < 0.001) was narrower in men. The L3–L4 ( P < 0.001) and L4–L5 ( P = 0.02) anterior disc heights were wider in men. The posterior disc heights L2–L3 ( P < 0.0001), L3–L4 ( P < 0.0001) were narrower in men. L4–L5 ( P < 0.0001) and L5-S1 ( P < 0.0001) posterior disc heights were wider in men. The disc height ratios L1–L2 ( P < 0.0001), L2–L3 ( P < 0.0001) and L3–L4 ( P = 0.01) were greater in women. The disc ratios L4–L5 ( P < 0.0001) and L5–S1 ( P = 0.01) were greater in men. No significant correlations between disk height and age, height, weight and BMI in men. No significant correlations between anterior disk height and age, height, weight and BMI in women. There was a significance correlation observed between posterior disc height at L3–L4 ( P = 0.02) and age in women. The correlation was observed between posterior disc height at L2–L3 ( P = 0.02) and BMI in women. The correlation was observed between L5–S1 posterior disc height ( P = 0.05) and weight in women. Conclusion: The anterior, posterior and disc ratios are significantly different between men and women in the western Maharashtra population. A significant correlation exists between posterior disc height and age, weight and BMI in women.