Table 1 Grading of MRI changes in the spine
Name of the MRI changes | Grading |
|---|---|
Type of signal change | BMO |
FMD | |
Mixed | |
  Signal change in the corner 1 | Yes/No |
  Location of signal change | Anterior |
Posterior | |
Equally widespread | |
  Size of signal change | Small |
Medium | |
Large | |
Total size of BMO in the DVU | Small |
Medium | |
Large | |
Total size of FMD in the DVU | Small |
Medium | |
Large | |
Total size of mixed lesions in the DVU | Small |
Medium | |
Large | |
Erosions | None |
Slight | |
Moderate | |
Severe | |
Erosion of the corner1 | Yes/No |
Syndesmophytes or vertebral fusion | None |
Syndesmophytes between corners | |
Partial osseous bridging | |
Total fusion | |
BMO at the apophyseal joints | Yes/No |
BMO at the costovertebral joints | Yes/No |
FMD at the apophyseal joints | Yes/No |
Soft tissue oedema | Yes/No |
Disc degeneration | Normal height and signal intensity |
Slightly decrease in height and signal intensity | |
Decreased height and fluid signal | |
Elimination of the disc height | |
Disc contour | Broad-based protrusion |
Focal protrusion | |
Extrusion | |
Sequestration (free fragment) | |
Disc herniation in the vertebral endplate | Yes/No |
Scheuermann’s changes | Yes/No |