Paravertebral Muscle Morphology in L4-L5 Disc Herniation: Insights from the Michigan State University Classification

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) at L4–L5 impacts paravertebral muscle morphology. Intervertebral disc degeneration is linked to paravertebral muscle changes, affecting LDH treatment outcomes. This study explored L4–L5 LDH paravertebral muscle alterations, specifically in the erector spinae, multifidus, and psoas major, using Michigan State University’s classification to guide LDH treatment. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study enrolled 160 patients, including 39 normal patients and 121 L4–L5 LDH patients. Patients with LDH were grouped according to MSU classification and compared to the normal group according to demographics and imaging changes. RESULTS: In patients with L4–L5 herniation in Zone B, the FI of the ES muscle at L3–L4 level, L4–L5 level, and L5–S1 level was higher than that of normal people (P=0.018, P=0.043, P=0.010, respectively), and there was no difference between FI of MF and normal people. The Zone B patients also had a smaller CSA of the ES muscle at L4–L5 level than that in the normal group (P=0.049). Patients in the Zone C group were older than those in the normal group (P=0.014). The CSA of the PM of patients with Grade 3 herniation differed from that of the normal group at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 level. They were higher than in normal people at L4–L5 level (P=0.011) and lower at L5–S1 level (P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with L4–L5 herniation in Zone B, the FI of ES at L3–S1 level was higher than in normal people, and the CSA at L4–L5 level was smaller than in normal people. In patients with Grade3 herniation, PM CSA was larger at L4–L5 level and smaller at L5–S1 level than in normal people.