한의학적 치료법으로 호전된 요추 추간판 탈출증 환자의 영상의학적 변화

Changes on Magnetic resonance imaging in lumbar disc herniations treated with oriental medicine

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of lumbar disc herniation in patients treated with oriental medicine. Methods: 14patients(15 cases) with lumbar disc herniation proved at MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging) underwent a follow-up MRI study. Follow-up MRI was performed 4~14months(mean 7 months) after initial MRI. Results & Conclusions: 1. 13 cases(87%) had reduction of disc herniation. 1 showed no change in amount of disc herniation. 1 had an increase in disc herniation. 2. Comparison initial MRI with follow-up MRI showed that 2 of the herniations decreased between 0% and 25%, 3 decreased between 25% and 50%, 5 decreased between 50% and 75%, 3 decreased between 75% and 100%. The size of the herniation decreased on average by 49% in 14patients(15 cases). 3. On axial images, the proportion of the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal occupied by the herniated disc was 54.41% on the average on the initial scan, 29.65% on the follow-up scan.