Table 3 MRI-based grading system for cervical intervertebral disc degeneration.
Grade | Nucleus signal intensity | Nucleus structure | Distinction of nucleus and annulus | Disc height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Hyperintense | Homogenous, white | Clear | Normal |
II | Hyperintense | Inhomogenous with horizontal band, white | Clear | Normal |
III | Intermediate | Inhomogenous, grey to black | Unclear | Normal to decreased |
IV | Hypointense | Inhomogenous, grey to black | Lost | Normal to decreased |
V | Hypointense | Inhomogenous, grey to black | Lost | Collapsed |