Grade | Structure | Distinction of nucleus and annulus | Signal intensity | Height of intervertebral disc |
---|---|---|---|---|
I | Homogenous, bright white | Clear | Hyperintense, isointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal |
II | Inhomogenous with or without horizontal bands | Clear | Hyperintense, isointense to cerebrospinal fluid | Normal |
III | Inhomogenous, grey | Unclear | Intermediate | Normal to slightly decreased |
IV | Inhomogenous, grey to black | Lost | Intermediate to hypointense | Normal to moderately decreased |
V | Inhomogenous, black | Lost | Hypointense | Collapsed disc space |