What are endplate changes in spine?

What are endplate changes in spine?

Background. Vertebral endplate (Modic) changes are bone marrow and endplate lesions visible in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are shown to be associated with degenerative intervertebral disc disease [1–3].

What causes endplate changes?

The aim of this paper is to propose two possible pathogenetic mechanisms causing Modic changes. These are: A mechanical cause: Degeneration of the disc causes loss of soft nuclear material, reduced disc height and hydrostatic pressure, which increases the shear forces on the endplates and micro fractures may occur.

What does Modic type 1 endplate changes mean?

Modic type I endplate change is the most controversial and important of the three types described (see Modic endplate change). It is seen on MRI of the spine and represents the presence of low T1 and high T2 signal within the bone marrow of a vertebral body adjacent to a disk. Type 1 change can enhance and be painful.

What does Modic type 2 changes mean?

In Modic type 2 there are changes in bone marrow, with fatty replacement of formerly red, cellular marrow normally seen there. With Modic type 2 changes the marrow is substituted by visceral fat, the same kind of fat we have on our hips and bellies.

Are Modic changes painful?

Modic changes were the only variable that was found to be significantly and negatively associated with changes in pain score and function. Type 1 was negatively associated with both change of pain and change of function and was statistically significantly different from Type 2.

What is endplate disease?

2 When endplates begin to deteriorate, inflammation increases and lesions can develop. Studies have found evidence that such lesions on endplates in the lumbar region of the back are associated with low back pain. 3 In its advanced stages, endplate degeneration is called endplate sclerosis.

Are Modic changes serious?

Modic changes (MC) are bone marrow lesions seen within a vertebral body on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), suggestive of being associated with low back pain (LBP). Their presence in clients receiving physiotherapy for low back pain may be of significance when discussing prognosis and benefits of exercise therapy.

Is Modic type 1 Serious?

2 Jensen OK, Nielsen CV, Sorensen JS, et al. Type 1 Modic changes was a significant risk factor for 1-year outcome in sick-listed low back pain patients: a nested cohort study using magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine.

What is a degenerative endplate?

Vertebral body endplate degeneration may be detected by the presence of edema or fat within the endplates. Endplate degeneration represents a continuum of different stages of degeneration beginning with bone edema and ending with the endplate sclerosis.

What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease?

Methods of pain control may include anti-inflammatory medications, manual manipulation, steroid injections, electrical stimulation, back braces or heat/ice therapy. Physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen the right muscles to help the back heal and reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups.

Are Modic changes reversible?

Conclusion: Our findings reflect the dynamic nature of pathological changes in the spine and have demonstrated that Modic changes are reversible.

Can you reverse spinal degeneration?

Answer: Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for degenerative disc disease, and once you’re diagnosed with DDD, it’s typically a lifelong journey of learning to live with back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms. Once your discs begin to degenerate, you can’t really reverse the process.

What are Modic type 2 endplate changes?

Modic Type II changes lead to degenerative disc disease. Degenerative Disc Disease includes a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms and radiological features such as disc protrusion, disc herniation, reduced disc height, and Hypertrophy of Ligamentum Flavum.

How serious is a spinal compression fracture?

Fractures can cause the vertebra to compress, which can eventually impact your height, your posture, and even lead to serious medical conditions such as blood clots and pneumonia.

What does Modic type 2 mean?

Modic type 1 change represents bone marrow oedema and inflammation; Modic type 2 change represents marrow ischemia and the conversion of normal red haemopoietic bone marrow into yellow fatty marrow [1]; and Modic type 3 change is rare and represents of subchondral bone sclerosis [2].

What is the treatment for endplate sclerosis?

When endplate degeneration advances to the point of causing severe pain and debilitation, treatment typically involves lumbar spinal fusion surgery. 6 This procedure involves stimulating the growth of new bone between two vertebrae.

Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections. They can provide effective pain relief.

Which is the most important type of endplate change?

Modic type I endplate change. Modic type I endplate change is the most controversial and important of the three types described (see Modic endplate change ). It is seen on MRI of the spine and represents the presence of low T1 and high T2 signal within the bone marrow of a vertebral body adjacent to a disk.

What are the effects of end plate changes?

End plate changes may lead to severe degenerative disc problems that cause life-changing effects, notes Laser Spine Institute. Nonsurgical treatments for degenerative disc conditions include anti-inflammatory medications, pain-relieving drugs, physical therapy and exercise.

Which is the stage of Modic degenerative endplate changes?

iii) Modic type 3 is the stage where all inflammation is finally replaced by bone scarring. Since your MRI is showing modic type 1 changes, you have active inflammation in your back adjacent to end plates, which is giving you the pain. Management of Backpain in Lumbar Vertebral Area It won’t be proper to rush for surgery.

What causes a discogenic change in the end plate?

Causes of discogenic end plate changes include aging, pressure from a herniated disc, overuse and improper lifting. The vertebrae in the spine are divided by cushioning discs, states Laser Spine Institute. An area of thickened bone called an end plate lies above and below each vertebra.

Modic type I endplate change. Modic type I endplate change is the most controversial and important of the three types described (see Modic endplate change ). It is seen on MRI of the spine and represents the presence of low T1 and high T2 signal within the bone marrow of a vertebral body adjacent to a disk.

End plate changes may lead to severe degenerative disc problems that cause life-changing effects, notes Laser Spine Institute. Nonsurgical treatments for degenerative disc conditions include anti-inflammatory medications, pain-relieving drugs, physical therapy and exercise.

Causes of discogenic end plate changes include aging, pressure from a herniated disc, overuse and improper lifting. The vertebrae in the spine are divided by cushioning discs, states Laser Spine Institute. An area of thickened bone called an end plate lies above and below each vertebra.

iii) Modic type 3 is the stage where all inflammation is finally replaced by bone scarring. Since your MRI is showing modic type 1 changes, you have active inflammation in your back adjacent to end plates, which is giving you the pain. Management of Backpain in Lumbar Vertebral Area It won’t be proper to rush for surgery.