DOS 2019

186 · DOS Abstracts Which mri findings are associated with long-term disability in low back pain patients? Peter Udby, Søren Ohrt-Nissen, Tom Bendix, Michael Rud Lassen, Stig Brorson, Carreon Leah , Mikkel Østerheden Andersen Spine Unit, Zealand University Hospital.; Spine Unit, Rigshospitalet; VRR, Rigshospitalet; Spine Unit, Zealand University Hospital.; Orthopedic research unit, Zealand University Hospital.; Spine Unit, Middelfart Hospital; Spine Unit, Middelfart Hospital Background: MRI is used extensively as a diagnostic tool to evaluate and guide treatment of patients with low back pain. However, the long-term association between degenerative MRI findings and disability is unclear. Purpose / Aim of Study: To assess whether long-term disability is associated with baseline disc degeneration, Modic Changes or facet joint degeneration in low back pain patients. Materials and Methods: In 2004-2005, patients aged 18-60 with daily LBP were enrolled in an RCT study and lumbar MRI was performed. Patients com- pleted Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and LBP Rating Scale for activity limitations (RS), at baseline and 13-years after the MRI. Regression analysis with 13- yr RMDQ as depend variable and baseline disc degeneration, Modic Changes and facet joint degeneration as independent variables was per- formed. Demographics including smoking status, BMI and weekly physical ac- tivity at leisure was included in the analysis Findings / Results: Of 204 cases with baseline MRI, 170 (83%) were available for follow-up; of these, 88 had disc degeneration (52%), 67 had Modic Changes (39%) and 139 had facet joint degeneration (82%). Only Modic Changes and weekly physical activity at leisure impacted the model significantly, respectively standard beta coefficient of -0.15 (p=0.031) for MC and -0.51 (p<0.001) for weekly physical activity at leisure. Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, none of the degenerative MRI changes at baseline was associated with a worse outcome at 13-year follow- up. Baseline Modic Changes was associated with statistically significant less long-term disability. 142.