MRI evaluation for disc degeneration, central stenosis, and facet joint degeneration.
| Classification of disc degeneration | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Signal intensity | Structure | Distinction of nucleus and anulus |
| I | Hyperintense, isointense to CSF | Homogeneous, bright white | Clear |
| II | Hyperintense, isointense to CSF | Inhomogeneous with or without horizontal bands | Clear |
| III | Intermediate | Inhomogenous, gray | Unclear |
| IV | Intermediate to hypointense | Inhomogenous, gray to black | Lost |
| V | Hypointense | Inhomogenous, black | Lost |
| Classification of central canal stenosis | |||
| Grade | Definition | ||
| 0 | No lumbar stenosis without obliteration of anterior CSF space | ||
| 1 | Mild stenosis with separation of all cauda equina | ||
| 2 | Moderate stenosis with some cauda equine aggregated | ||
| 3 | Severe stenosis with none of the cauda equine separated | ||
| Classification of facet joint degeneration | |||
| Grade | Criteria | ||
| 0 | Normal facet joint space (2-4mm width) | ||
| 1 | Narrowing of the facet joint space (< 2mm) and/or small osteophyte and/or mild hypertrophy of the articular process | ||
| 2 | Narrowing of the facet joint space and/or moderate osteophyte and/or moderate hypertrophy of the articular process and/or mild subarticular bone erosions | ||
| 3 | Narrowing of the facet joint space and/or large osteophytes and/or severe hypertrophy of the articular process and/or severe subarticular bone erosions and/or subchondral cysts | ||
CSF: cerebrospinal fluid.