PATTERNS OF THORACIC DISC DEGENERATION FROM MRI: AGE, GENDER AND SPINAL LEVEL INFLUENCES

Abstract

The present retrospective study reviewed and examined the prevalence of thoracic disc degeneration, end-plate lesions and osteophytes in the thoracic spine using T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance images (MRI). The sample comprised 216 thoracic spine cases (101 males and 115 females), aged from 1 to 85 years (mean age = 42±19.7 years). Nuclear and anular degeneration, end-plate lesions and osteophytes were graded using a 3-point scale. The prevalence of degeneration was highest in the nucleus (86%) and lowest in the end-plates (63%). Males had a higher prevalence of degeneration in the nucleus, anulus and end-plates, and a lower prevalence of osteophytes compared to females. Increasing cranio-caudal trends in the prevalence of degeneration in the nucleus, anulus and end-plates were observed, and these trends were statistically significant (p<0.01). Vertebral body osteophytes were most prevalent in the mid thoracic region. Osteophytes and degenerative changes in the nucleus and anulus increased significantly with age (p<0.05). These regional and age-related degenerative trends may influence the interpretation of thoracic spine pathology from MRI investigations.