The Association of Modic Changes and Disc-Endplate-Bone Marrow Complex Classification in Patients With Cervical...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Cervical degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck pain.
• Modic changes (MC) and Degenerative End-Plate Changes (DEBC) classification are used to assess disc degeneration.
• The clinical significance of DEBC in relation to neck pain and surgical outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between Modic changes and the DEBC classification in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease.
• To compare the prevalence of MC and DEBC between patients with neck pain and a control group.
• To determine the correlation of DEBC with disc herniation and the need for surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Observational cohort study comparing neck pain patients (n=301) with polytrauma controls (n=200).
• MRI assessment of cervical spine for Modic changes (MC) and DEBC classification.
• Documentation of End-Plate (EP) erosion and herniation (H+) presence.

Main Results:

• Higher incidence of MC and DEBC in the neck pain group (20.93%) compared to controls (12%) (P < 0.05).
• DEBC Type C was most prevalent in both groups (71.6% neck pain vs. 54.41% controls).
• Co-occurrence of herniation (H+) with DEBC was significantly higher in neck pain patients (13.95% vs. 5.5%, P < 0.005), with an odds ratio of 6.8 for surgery when H+ and DEBC co-occurred.

Conclusions:

• DEBC classification is a reliable and clinically significant tool for assessing degenerative cervical spine disease.
• Patients with DEBC changes and disc herniation are more prone to neck pain and surgical intervention.
• The findings support the utility of DEBC in predicting clinical outcomes and guiding treatment decisions in cervical degenerative disc disease.