Cervical disc degeneration evaluated by MRI -Comparison of lumbar and cervical classifications-

Abstract

Introduction: Pfirmann and Schneiderman classifications are mainly used to evaluate lumbar disc degenerations, however, there is no established classification method of disc degeneration for the cervical spine. The purpose of this study was to assess whether lumbar disc degeneration classifications can be used to evaluate cervical disc degeneration.

Methods: The subjects were 547 persons who underwent cervical spine MRI. Two lumbar disc degeneration classifications (Pfirmann and Schneiderman classifications) and five cervical disc degeneration classifications (Matsumoto's, Miyazaki's, Nakashima's, Jacobs', and Suzuki's classifications) were used to evaluate C2/3 to C7/T1 disc degeneration based on T2 weighted images with a mid-sagittal view. The relationship between the grade of each classification and age was examined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. The distribution of grades by intervertebral disc level was also assessed.

Results: In all classifications, age and grade were moderately correlated (0.412-0.547). The most severe intervertebral disc degeneration level was determined to be C5/6 based on all classifications.

Conclusions: In this study, there were no differences between the lumbar and cervical disc degeneration classifications. We concluded that cervical disc degeneration could be evaluated by lumbar disc degeneration classification.