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Fig. 3 | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Fig. 3

From: Do the disc degeneration and osteophyte contribute to the curve rigidity of degenerative scoliosis?

Fig. 3

The Pfirrmann score system for assessing lumbar disc degeneration. A, Grade I, homogeneous disc with bright hyperintense white signal intensity and a normal disc height. B, Grade II, inhomogeneous disc with a hyperintense white signal. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is clear, and the disc height is normal, with or without horizontal gray bands. C, Grade III, inhomogeneous disc with intermediate gray signal intensity. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is unclear, and the disc height is normal or slightly decreased. D, Grade IV, inhomogeneous disc with hypointense dark gray signal intensity. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is lost, and the disc height is normal or moderately decreased. E, Grade V, inhomogeneous disc with a hypointense black signal intensity. The distinction between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus is lost, and the disc space is collapsed

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