Modic changes, a common observation in MR imaging, are signal intensity changes in vertebral body marrow, adjacent to the endplates of degenerative discs.
Michael T. Modic, MD, professor of radiology and neurology at Case Western in Cleveland, wrote about these changes in the journal Radiology in 1988, and his name has been associated with these changes ever since.
Modic changes take 3 main forms:
Type I
· Decreased signal on T1, and increased signal on T2.
· Represents marrow edema.
· Associated with an acute process.
· Histological examination shows disruption and fissuring of the endplate and vascularized fibrous tissues within the adjacent marrow
Type II - the most common type
· Increased signal on T1, and isointense or slightly hyperintense signal on T2.
· Represents fatty degeneration of subchondral marrow.
· Associated with a chronic process.
· Histological examination shows endplate disruption with yellow marrow replacement in the adjacent vertebral body.
Type I changes convert to Type II changes with time, while Type II changes seem to remain stable.
Type III
· Decreased signal on both T1 and T2.
· Correlate with extensive bony sclerosis on plain radiographs.
· Histological examination shows dense woven bone; hence, no marrow to produce MRI signal.
MODIC CHANGES on MRI
T1
T2
Significance
TYPE 1
¯
Edema
TYPE II
® (or slight)
Fatty Degeneration
TYPE III
¯
¯
Bony Sclerosis
It's an MRI sign that the intervertebral discs are aging.
what does slight progression of degenerative marrow in the l5 - s1
Osseous structures refer to the bony components of the spine that may show signs of degeneration or wear over time. In scattered endplate degenerative changes in the thoracic spine, there may be areas of bony spur formation, disc space narrowing, and sclerosis at the endplates, indicating degenerative changes affecting the bones and discs in that region of the spine. These changes can contribute to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the thoracic spine.
Endplate lipping refers to the formation of bony spurs or projections at the edges of the vertebral endplates in the spine. This can be seen on imaging studies like X-rays and may indicate degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and joints of the spine. It is commonly associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
Endplate spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the vertebral endplates, which are the thin layers of cartilage that separate the vertebrae in the spine. This condition is characterized by changes in the endplates, such as thinning, calcification, or the formation of bone spurs. Endplate spondylosis can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected area of the spine. Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery.
Endplate changes is a medical term used to describe the thinning or erosion of the cushioning discs that separate the vertebrae in your spine. This can happen simply from aging.
Discogenic marrow endplate changes at C5-6 refer to degenerative alterations in the vertebral endplate at that specific level of the cervical spine, likely due to wear and tear over time. This can lead to decreased disc height, altered biomechanics, and potentially contribute to symptoms such as neck pain or radiculopathy. Treatment may involve conservative measures like physical therapy, pain management, or in some cases, surgery.
Osseous degenerative changes are changes in the bone density and structure of the spine. These changes often cause pain and curvature of the spine.
Degenerative changes in the osseous structures are changes in the bone tissue. Osseous changes and degeneration are usually associated with spinal injuries and worsening of the condition.
Sclerotic degenerative facet changes refer to the development of bony overgrowth and hardening of the facet joints in the spine due to degeneration. This process can lead to decreased flexibility and increased stiffness in the affected joints, potentially causing pain and restricted movement. It is commonly seen in conditions such as osteoarthritis and can be visualized on imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs.
Edema is swelling of an extremity or area of the body. A degenerative end plate may be an area that shows up on an x-ray showing breakdown of bone. A physician will need to evaluate and treat.
Mild sclerosis of the right humeral head is often caused by degenerative changes.