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Prevalence of modic changes in active duty military men with lumbar disk herniation who were scheduled for surgery

Tom Vredeveld1, Xavier M Teitsma, Agali Mert

  • 1Research and Development, Military Rehabilitation Centre Aardenburg, Doorn, The Netherlands.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|November 20, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Modic changes (MCs) were prevalent in military men undergoing lumbar surgery, particularly type II at lower spine levels. Higher age was linked to MC development, but physical workload was not a significant factor.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Orthopedics
  • Spinal Imaging

Background:

  • Modic changes (MCs) are common findings on lumbar spine MRI.
  • Understanding MC prevalence is crucial for interpreting spinal imaging findings, especially in active populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Modic changes (MCs) in Netherlands military men undergoing lumbar discectomy.
  • To analyze the association between MCs and factors like age, physical workload, and disc herniation level.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study of 77 active military personnel.
  • Analysis of health records and lumbar MRI (L4/L5, L5-S1) for Modic changes (types I, II, III).
  • Evaluation of age, sex, military rank, herniation level, and MC level and type.

Main Results:

  • Modic changes (MCs) were present in 28.6% of analyzed spinal segments.
  • MC type II was the most common (65.9%), predominantly at lower lumbar levels.
  • Older age was significantly associated with MC development (P ≤ .001), while physical workload showed no significance.

Conclusions:

  • Modic changes (MCs) are common in military men with lumbar disc herniation, with type II predominating at lower lumbar segments.
  • A significant association between disc herniation and MCs at the same level was not demonstrated in this cohort.
  • Age is a significant factor in MC development, highlighting its role in degenerative spinal changes.

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