The Influence of Roussouly Type on the Prevalence, Subtype, and Distribution Characteristics of Modic Changes in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Abstract

The relationship between Roussouly type and Modic changes (MC) is unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of Roussouly type on the characteristics of MC in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. This cross-sectional observational study from Huashan Hospital included 270 patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the Roussouly classification. Prevalence, subtype, and distribution characteristics of MC from L1-L2 upper end plate to L5-S1 lower end plate were compared between 4 Roussouly types. Of 270 patients, 65 (24.1%) were Roussouly type I, 115 (42.6%) were Roussouly type II, 55 (20.4%) were Roussouly type III, and 35 (13.0%) were Roussouly type IV. MC were present in 45.9% (n= 270) of patients, 12.7% (n= 2700) of end plates, and 11.8% (n= 1350) of intervertebral discs. The prevalence rate of MC by subtype and intervertebral disc among the 4 Roussouly types was statistically different (P < 0.05), and the prevalence rate of MC by intervertebral disc in Roussouly type I was statistically higher than the other 3 Roussouly types. In Roussouly types I and IV, the prevalence rate of MC at L4-L5 level showed no significant differences compared with those at upper lumbar levels, while in Roussouly types II and III, the prevalence rate of MC at L4-L5 level was significantly higher than those at upper lumbar levels. Roussouly types can influence prevalence, subtype, and distribution characteristics of MC in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease.