Figure 3

Mean nucleus pulposus (NP) T2 and Thompson grading at each time point. (a) A significant decrease in T2 for L4/5 NP can be observed with time (^# P<0.05), especially in 3 weeks postoperatively, while no significant decrease in T2 for L5/6 NP over the 24-week period. At 1 week postoperatively, the mean T2 for L4/5 NP was less than that of L5/6 NP and remained so through 24 weeks (*P<0.05). Error bars represent the standard deviation from the mean. (b) The Thompson grading for L4/5 discs at each time point.