What is HNP of the spine?
What is HNP of the spine?
Herniated nucleus pulposus is a condition in which part or all of the soft, gelatinous central portion of an intervertebral disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk, resulting in back pain and nerve root irritation.
Do you need an MRI to diagnose a herniated disc?
Is an MRI necessary for diagnosing a herniated disc? Some physicians continue to recommend X-ray and CT scanning. However, herniated disc MRI is the most preferred diagnostic procedure since it is the most sensitive imaging technique for this condition and does not expose the patient to unnecessary radiation.
Why is MRI best for herniated disc?
An MRI scan can show exactly where the herniated disc is located and also facilitate the measurement of the herniation. An MRI scan can also help improve the accuracy of surgical procedures and the recovery time of patients. In any case, any unusual pain on the spine merits a consultation with a medical professional.
What are the diagnostic criteria for an asymptomatic HNP?
An HNP that is noted on imaging studies must be correlated with objective examination findings; otherwise, it must be presumed to be an asymptomatic HNP if there is no correlation between the imaging findings and pain or clinical symptoms.
What are the risk factors for herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP)?
Several factors seem to influence the occurrence of herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). Smoking is a risk factor in the epidemiology of lumbar disk herniations and has been documented to decrease the oxygen tension in the avascular disk dramatically, presumably by vasoconstrictive and rheologic effects on blood.
What is the role of MRI in the evaluation of herniation?
MRI with gadolinium contrast enhancement is often used to evaluate patients who have already undergone decompression surgery and are suspected of having recurrent or residual disk herniation. The postgadolinium T2-weighted images can be used to differentiate between scar tissue (which enhances) and disk fragments (which do not).
What causes a herniated disc or HNP?
This pathologic process is known as “degenerative disc disease,” and it can eventually lead to HNP and other related conditions. Some cases are idiopathic, which means that no direct cause is known. Even healthy people can develop a herniated disc or HNP. There are some known risk factors that contribute to this condition.
