AJDRAJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

Publication Preview: Published February 13, 2008

American Journal of Neuroradiology 2008;29:838.

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American Journal of Neuroradiology
DOI 10.3174/ajnr.A0925

REVIEW ARTICLE

The Modic Vertebral Endplate and Marrow Changes: Pathologic Significance and Relation to Low Back Pain and Segmental Instability of the Lumbar Spine

R. Rahme and R. Moussa

From the Department of Neurosurgery, Saint-Joseph University and Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon.

Please address correspondence to Ralph Rahme, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, Hôtel-Dieu de France, Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon; e-mail: rrahme{at}waln.org

SUMMARY: Two decades following their description, the significance of Modic vertebral endplate and marrow changes remains a matter of debate. These changes are closely related to the normal degenerative process affecting the lumbar spine, and their prevalence increases with age. However, the exact pathogenesis underlying these changes and their relation to segmental instability of the lumbar spine and to low back pain remain unclear. In this paper, we review the literature relevant to this topic and discuss the currently available evidence regarding the pathologic and clinical significance of Modic changes.






Copyright © 2009 by the American Society of Neuroradiology. Print ISSN: 0195-6108 Online ISSN: 1936-959X