Clinical characteristics, pain, and disability in relation to alar ligament MRI findings.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between degree of signal changes in the alar ligaments on MRI with respect to pain and disability.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Conflicting evidence exists whether areas of high-signal intensity in the alar ligaments on MRI are associated with pain and disability.

METHODS

A cross-sectional designed study of 173 subjects including a group with persistent whiplash associated disorder (WAD) Grade II after a car accident (n = 59), a group with chronic nontraumatic neck pain (n = 57) and a group without neck pain or previous neck trauma (n = 57). To assess pain and disability, all participants filled in the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-intensity and BPI-interference), the European Quality of Life (EQ-5D and EQ VAS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale (HADS). High-resolution proton-weighted MR images in three planes were evaluated by two experienced neuroradiologists who were blinded to patient history and group allocation. The alar ligaments were evaluated according to a 4-point grading scale; 0 = low-signal intensity throughout the entire cross-section area, 1 = high-signal intensity in one third or less, 2 = high-signal intensity in one third to two thirds, and 3 = high-signal intensity in two thirds or more of the cross-section area.

RESULTS

With respect to BPI and HADS, the scores were highest in the WAD group, intermediate in the chronic nontraumatic neck pain group, and lowest among controls. EuroQol scores were lowest in the WAD group, intermediate in the chronic nontraumatic neck pain group, and highest among controls (P < 0.001). There was, however, no significant correlation between the alar ligament changes and measures for pain and disability.

CONCLUSION

The previously reported assumption that changes in the alar ligaments detected on MRI are associated with pain and disability is not supported by this study. The diagnostic value and the clinical relevance of MR-detectable areas of high intensity in the alar ligaments remain questionable.