Table 1 The total endplate score (TEPS) is calculated as a sum of the individual endplate scores adjacent to a disc with a score ranging from 2 to 12 for each disc level

No EP break or defects; Uniform hypointense band; Symmetrically concave; No MC

1

Focal thinning of the EP; No EP breaks; No MC

2

Focal disc marrow contacts; Normal contour of EP maintained; No MC

3

Defect up to 25% of width of EP; Typical depression present; MC usually present

4

Defect up to 50% of width of EP; Typical depression present; MC usually present

5

Complete EP damage; Irregularity and sclerosis of EP; MC usually present

6