MRI findings associated with spondyloarthritis (SpA) can be difficult to distinguish from the more prevalent findings of degeneration. Despite this, the two groups of MRI-findings are often evaluated in separate studies and in different study populations, which may reduce their applicability in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of degenerative and SpA related MRI-findings in the spine and sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in patients with persistent LBP. Patients with persistent LBP (n=1037, median age 33 [IQR 27–37], 54% women) referred to an outpatient, secondary care and non-surgical department were included in the study. MRI of the whole spine and the SIJ was performed and degenerative and SpA-related MRI-findings were evaluated by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists.Purpose and background:
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Sacroiliitis identified by MRI is considered as a keystone in the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis. To reduce the number of unnecessary MRI scans it would be ideal if sacroiliac (SI) joint pain provocation tests could be used to identify patients at risk of having sacroiliitis. The aim of the current study was to investigate the diagnostic value of three pain provocation SI-joint tests for sacroiliitis identified by MRI. Patients (n=454, mean age 32 years, 54% women) without clinical signs of nerve root compression were selected from a cohort consisting of patients with persistent low back pain referred to an outpatient spine clinic. Data from the Gaenslen's Test, Thigh Thrust Test and Long Dorsal Sacroiliac Ligaments Test and sacroiliitis identified by MRI were analysed.Purpose and background:
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