Variability in grading lumbar discs degeneration on magnetic resonance images

الملخص EN

Background: Magnetic resonances imaging (MRI) is reliable in evaluation of lumbar disc degeneration, however there is a variation in grading of degeneration.

Aim of the study is to measure observer variability in assessing degeneration using a grading system.

Patients and methods: Tow radiologist assessed degeneration of 150 lumbar discs of 30 patients (21 male & 9 female) by evaluating MRI examinations, using a grading system after some modifications in nomenclature.

Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were measured using weighted Kappa statistic.

Results: Intraobserver agreement ranged from moderate (kappa of 0.55) to very good (kappa of 0.87) while interobserver agreement ranged from moderate (Kappa 0.46) to good (kappa of 0.76).

Main disagreement were between severe and moderate grads of degeneration while best consensus was obtained in normal discs.

Conclusion: Moderate to very good agreement obtained in application of our grading system.

Disagreement may be reduced by proper and more frequent use & increasing familiarity.

However, further studies with larger sample and among more observers may be still required for the system to be practically applicable.