The peridiscal and nuclear (uncleus pulposus and inner layer of annulus fibrosus) signal intensities in 500 discs of teen-age patients were compared with common degenerative lumbar disc disease. Images were taken with a 7mm slice thickness and T2 wighted (TE 80-90mS, TR 2000-2200mS) midsagittal imaging. Clear correlation between these intensities was found. The signal intensity primarily decreased in the peridiscal tissues and secondarily decreased in the nucleus pulposus and inner layer of annulus fibrosus. These findings suggest that peridiscal disorders cause degenerative changes of the nucleus pulposus. Additionally, in the early degenerative stage of the teen-age lumbar disc, a decrease of nuclear signal intensity insicated that degenerative changes originated from the anterior portion and extended posteriorly.
