Lumbar disc prolapse is considered a worldwide health problem.Numerous studies showed that conservative treatment yields similar outcome compared to surgical treatment on the long term.To explain the spontaneous regression of disc prolapse three theories weresuggested. The first theory:shrinkage through dehydration and loss of water content, the second theory:thetension applied by the posterior longitudinal ligament provided there is no defect in annulus fibrosis, the third one: the resorption of disc material of extruded parts by inflammatory reaction mediated by cytokines release, macrophage infiltration and phagocytosis, enzymatic degradation, and neovascularization. In this study, MSU classification was used as tool in evaluating the change that happened in MRI of conservatively treated patientsfor at least 6 months.
AIM OF THE WORK
To evaluate patients suffering from lumbar disc prolapse treated conservatively using MSU classification.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
32 patients with symptomatic lumbar disc prolapse treated according to conservative treatment program in spine unit in El-Hadara university hospital constituted the method of this study. MRI examination was done at presentation and at least six months during follow up. MRI images were evaluated and classified using MSU (Michigan State University) Classification.