PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Rahme, R. AU - Moussa, R. TI - The Modic Vertebral Endplate and Marrow Changes: Pathologic Significance and Relation to Low Back Pain and Segmental Instability of the Lumbar Spine AID - 10.3174/ajnr.A0925 DP - 2008 May 01 TA - American Journal of Neuroradiology PG - 838--842 VI - 29 IP - 5 4099 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/29/5/838.short 4100 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/29/5/838.full SO - Am. J. Neuroradiol.2008 May 01; 29 AB - 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.