Frecuencia de hernia discal diagnosticada por resonancia magnética de columna lumbar en pacientes de 31 a 80 años de edad del Instituto de Diagnóstico por Imágenes (Cuenca), en el periodo enero – diciembre 2020

Background: The herniation disc is the output of nucleus pulpous for the annulus fibrous; presents different annoyances starts with low back pain and cause partial or total paralysis of the extremities. Objective: To determine the frequency of herniated disc in the lumbar spine diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging in patients from 31 to 80 years who come to the Diagnostic Imaging Institute (Cuenca), in the period January – December 2020. Methodology: Descriptive, cross and retrospective research. The universe was made up of patients from 31 to 80 years who underwent a magnetic resonance study of lumbar spine; the sample was made of all patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation, considering the inclusion criteria. Results: Of 352 patients studied, the 229 (65,06%) present lumbar disc herniation. Greater prevalence was found in patients of 41-50 years, with 57 cases (24,89%). The male sex present higher frequency of lumbar disc herniation with 52,40%. The location of the lumbar disc herniation predominant was the category “More than one level of location”, with 141 cases. The type of disc herniation most frequency was “Protrusion (Contained)”, with 91 cases. Finally, MODIC 3 presented a higher prevalence with 115 patients (50,22%). Conclusion: The results show a similarity based on various studies, in the variables sex and age group. The RM is classified as most effective study for the diagnostic of herniated disc (sensitivity 75%, specificity 77%)