Prevalence and distribution of Modic Changes and association with low back pain : a descriptive analysis

This study examines the prevalence and distribution of Modic changes (MCs) in the lumbar spine and the association with low back pain (LBP) across different age and sex categories.

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted based on MRI data from a UK orthopaedic centre of lumbar spine MRIs from January to December 2023. Demographics and clinical presentation, namely LBP, was analyzed for correlation with the presence of MC, which was categorized as Modic type I (M1) and II (M2), according to MRI signal intensity. Prior spinal surgery or spinal deformity were exclusion criteria.

The results showed a high frequency of M1 and M2 changes at lower lumbar levels, particularly at L4/L5 and L5/S1, known to be subject to greater mechanical stresses (p < 0.001). MCs were highly correlated with LBP, as 66% of the patients had both conditions. Females were more affected with 72% of females with MC having LBP compared to 58% of males, (p < 0.001). M1 changes were also more frequently associated with LBP in young and old age groups.

These results show that not only are MC a common phenomenon, but that they are correlated with the presenting complaint of LBP in confirmation of previous studies. The work presented here adds to this by documenting the anatomical location, female predominance and age distribution where the presence of MC is more highly correlated with the presenting complaint of LBP.