Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.38(1) > 1012188

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Song, Park, Yang, Lee, Lee, Hong, Lim, and Kim: Interobserver Reliability between MRI, CT-myelogram and Myelogram in the Evaluation of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Original Article

Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association 2003; 38(1): 66-71.

Published online: 3 January 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2003.38.1.66

Interobserver Reliability between MRI, CT-myelogram and Myelogram in the Evaluation of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Kyung Jin Song, Hyung Ju Park, Keun Ho Yang, Hyung Suk Lee, Sang Yong Lee, Gi Sik Hong, Hyung Gun Lim, Hwang Jik Kim

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National Universtiy Hospital, Chonju, Korea.

Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National Universtiy Hospital, Chonju, Korea.

Department of Orthopedics Chonju Hospital, Korea.

Department of Radiology, Presbyterian Medical Center, Korea.

Department of Orthopedics, Namwon Medical Center and Daejeon Veterans Hospital, Korea.

kysong@moak.chonbuk.ac.kr

Copyright © 2003 The Korean Orthopaedic Association

Abstract

Purpose

We designed this study to evaluate the interobserver reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), post-myelographic computed tomography (CT-myelogram) and myelography for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Materials and Methods

Thirty two patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were evaluated preoperatively by MRI, CT-myelography, and myelography by four observers. For each set of scans, the examiners assessed the presence or absence of; 1) intervertebral disk protrusion, 2) facet arthrosis, 3) ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and 4) nerve root impingement. The severities of 1) central, 2) lateral, 3) foraminal and 4) entire spinal stenosis were graded using a four-point scale range from 1 (no stenosis) to 4 (severe stenosis).

Results

Kappa statistical analysis revealed moderate interobserver agreement in terms of disk protrusion (0.49), nerve root impingement (0.42) and lateral stenosis grade based on MRI. Low levels of agreement were found for facet arthrosis and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Relatively higher levels of agreement were found for nerve root impingement, lateral stenosis and entire stenosis, graded by MRI and for central stenosis graded by myelography.

Conclusion

The results of this study reflect that MRI showed relatively higher levels of interobserver reliability than the other diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Keywords: Lumbar spinal stenosis, reliability, MRI, CT-myelography, Myelography

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