Abstract #4204

Annular tears in the intervertebral disc can be detected and highlighted using conventional MRI, texture analysis and neural networks

Christian Waldenberg¹, Stefanie Eriksson¹, Hanna Hebelka², Helena Brisby³, and Kerstin Magdalena Lagerstrand¹

¹Department of Radiation Physics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, ²Department of Radiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, ³Department of Orthopaedics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

Annular tears of intervertebral discs (IVDs) are associated with ingrowth of nerve endings with the potential to cause discogenic pain. We propose a novel non-invasive workflow for detecting annular tears and determining its location based on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 124 IVDs in 44 patients with low back pain were included. Based on MRI, texture analysis and neural networks, a classification algorithm and workflow for determining the presence and position of annular tears were proposed. Excellent classification sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 93% were reached. The position of the tears was correctly determined in 67% of the IVDs.

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