Table 1 Classification of degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc [9]
From: The future of minimally invasive spine surgery in low-income Latin American countries
Stage | Disc structure | Signal intensity (MRI T2W) | Distinction of annulus from pulposus | Height of the disc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Homogeneous | Hyperintense (white) | Clear border | Normal |
II | Inhomogeneous | Hyperintense (white) | Clear border | Normal |
III | Inhomogeneous | Isointense (gray) | Fuzzy | Normal or slightly reduced |
IV | Inhomogeneous | Isointense to hypointense (gray–black) | Absent | The border is normal or moderately reduced |
V | Inhomogeneous | Hypointense (black) | Absent | The border is sharply lowered |