Pfirmann et al reported a grading system for intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar spine using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The authors are from Orthopedic University Hospital Balgrist in Zurich, Switzerland.
The higher the grade the greater the degeneration.
The paper also showed this algorithm
Homogeneous bright white structure
Inhomogeneous structure, white with possible horizontal bands
Clear distinction between annulus and nucleus
Collapsed disc space
Grade
Y
NA
NA
NA
I
N
Y
NA
NA
II
N
N
Y
NA
III
N
N
N
N
IV
N
N
N
Y
V
where:
• In the classification table it says Grade III has an unclear distinction between annulus and nucleus. It also says Grade II may not have horizontal bands.
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