Abstract
ObjectivesTo evaluate the changes of Hounsfield units (HU) value in different types of Modic changes (MCs) and to analyze the correlation between the change of HU value and area ratio of MCs region, bone mineral density (BMD), and degree of intervertebral disc degeneration.MethodsOne hundred fifty-eight endplates with MCs were included and analyzed. HU values of MCs regions and adjacent vertebral corresponding regions without MCs were measured. The area ratio of MCs region was defined as the area of MCs divided by the area of endplate or the vertebral sagittal plane. BMD was measured by Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was evaluated based on Pfirrmann classification. According to the types of variables, descriptive statistics, Kolmogorove-Smirnov test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Independent-Samples T Test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used.ResultsThe HU values in any types of MCs are significantly higher than that of adjacent vertebral corresponding regions without MCs (P < 0.001). The HU value of the type III MCs is higher than that of the type I and type II MCs. HU value was positively correlated with BMD. In the levels with Grade V disc degeneration, the area ratio of MCs region was significant increased.ConclusionsHU values of the vertebral endplate and bone marrow were increased in most MCs regions with all types of MCs. HU value of endplates had a significantly positive correlation with BMD. Higher area ratio of MCs region is associated with more severe intervertebral disc degeneration.
Highlights
The Modic changes (MCs) of lumbar spine, first reported by de Roos et al [1] in 1987, refer to the signal changes of the lumbar endplate and bone marrow under endplate on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans
Our study showed that the Hounsfield units (HU) value of endplate was significant positively correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) (r = 0.467, p < 0.001), and the mean HU value of endplate was significantly different in three groups (p < 0.001)
We found that HU value of endplate was significantly associated with the area ratio of MCs region in type II, but not in MCs type I and III
Summary
The Modic changes (MCs) of lumbar spine, first reported by de Roos et al [1] in 1987, refer to the signal changes of the lumbar endplate and bone marrow under endplate on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. Modic et al described the types of signal changes, Zhu et al BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2021) 22:509 classification criteria and pathological changes systematically in l988 [2]. Due to the popularization of MRI in the diagnosis of lumbar degenerative diseases, more cases of MRI signals changes in endplate and bone marrow have been found. A lot of studies in current literature described the etiology, epidemiology and clinical relevance of MCs. there are few studies on the correlation between MCs and Hounsfield units value of vertebral marrow and endplate
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
