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Modic changes: prevalence, distribution patterns, and association with age in white men

Yue Wang1, Tapio Videman, Michele C Battié

  • 1Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 8205 114 St, 3-44 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G4.

The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
|April 21, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Modic changes (MCs) are common in middle-aged men

Area of Science:

  • Spine imaging and epidemiology
  • Degenerative disc disease research
  • Musculoskeletal health studies

Background:

  • Modic changes (MCs) are increasingly recognized in spine research.
  • Epidemiological data on MCs in the general population is limited.
  • Understanding MC prevalence provides clinical reference.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and distribution of Modic changes in the lumbosacral spine.
  • To investigate the association between Modic changes and age in men.
  • To provide population-based data on Modic changes.

Main Methods:

  • Epidemiological analysis of lumbar spine magnetic resonance images (MRIs).
  • Inclusion of 561 male twin subjects representative of the Finnish population.
  • Evaluation of 11 lumbar end plates (L1-S1) for Modic changes (Types 1, 2, 3, and mixed).

Main Results:

  • Modic changes found in 55.6% of individuals and 13.5% of end plates.
  • Type 2 MCs were most prevalent (64.2%), followed by Type 1 (16.0%) and Mixed (18.1%).
  • MCs were more common in the lower lumbar region, often affecting opposing end plates, and increased with age.

Conclusions:

  • Modic changes are prevalent in middle-aged men, predominantly Type 2.
  • MCs are common in the lower lumbar spine, affecting adjacent end plates.
  • Age is significantly associated with the presence and size of Modic changes.

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