RELATIONSHIP OF THE BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) WITH THE LUMBAR RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN THE INCIDENCES OF LOW BACK PAIN

ABSTRACT:  Comparable relationship between BMI, lumbar radiological findings/diagnosis, and features of patients that presents with low back pain has been a research of interest in the diagnosis of low back pain. Aim: To investigate the association between body weights, body mass index, age, features and clinical findings in patients with low back pain. Patients and Method: A prospective study of 84 patients who presented for radiographic examination of the lumbar spine due to low back pain, at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, was conducted. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to analyze the data, using Pearson correlation function. Result: The frequency of females referred for the radiographic examination of the lumbar spine due to low back pain was significantly more than males (54.8% against 45.2%). The age group of 58 and below had the highest frequency of referral (76.2%). A higher frequency of referred patients had optimal body mass index (37; 44.2%). Highest frequency of referred patients has disc space narrowing (48.8%). For the concluded clinical diagnosis, the highest frequency of referred patients had spondylosis. There was positive correlation between BMI and osteopaenia (p=0.008,