Associations Between Sum Scores or Combinations of MRI Findings in the Lumbar Spine and Low Back Pain-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Research on lumbar MRI findings has mainly focused on single MRI findings and their association with low back pain (LBP). Some studies suggest that summing or combining MRI findings may show stronger associations with LBP than single findings. This systematic review investigates how sum scores and combinations of lumbar MRI findings are associated with LBP-related outcomes.

Methods

We searched Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus for studies reporting cross-sectional associations between sum scores/combinations of MRI findings and LBP. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction and risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment. Study characteristics, definitions of sum scores/combinations of MRI findings and associations between sum s

SUBMITTER: Dragsbæk L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273765 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature