Jim,
Refer to this excellent study in The New England Journal of Medicine July
14, 1994. MRI of the lumbar spine in people without back pain.
The incidence is quite high particularly in older populations. Thus
reinforcing the importance of correlating our exam findings with test
results.
Douglas M. White, PT, OCS
James Naugle wrote:
> Hello All - Can anyone help with this rather statistical question? We
> often depend on MRI results to tell us whether a patient has a disc
> herniation or bulge, but MRI's of asymptomatic individuals have revealed
> unexpected bulges and herniations. My question is this: Does anyone
> know of any studies which give a percentage of asymptomatic herniations
> or bulges that can be expected in a so-called "normal" sample? Thank
> you in advance for any help on this question. Jim Naugle, Westfield,
> NJ USA
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