It is seen on MRI of the spine and represents the presence of low T1 and high T2 signal within the bone marrow of a vertebral body adjacent to a disk. The relatively high signal intensity on both short and long TR/TE pulse sequences suggests that the increased signal resulted from the conversion of normal hemopoietic bone marrow to fatty marrow. carefully monitoring your functional status and symptoms, and communicating regarding safe sustainable level of work with your employer, promptly bringing any relevant changes or concerns to your doctor's attention, supervising and adjusting the mode and intensity of your non-aggravating therapeutic and conditioning exercises to maximize their beneficial physical and psychological effects, completing an ergonomic evaluation of your workplace and collaborating with you and your employer on implementing changes to minimize a number of aggravating tasks, while being able to effectively complete your work assignments, performing spinal mobilizations and soft tissue massage to provide temporary relief of symptoms at times of aggravation, helping to achieve self-reliance and independence with managing your low back pain. Full size image Interventions Qualitative grading of disc degeneration by magnetic resonance in the lumbar and PubMed PMID: 24828957. cervical spine: lack of correlation with histology in surgical cases. We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Methods: Stringent inclusion criteria elected 218 to vertebral augmentation with resorbable cement. Check for errors and try again. Accordingly, spinal fusion has been considered by some surgeons for the treatment of patients with lumbar disc herniation, chronic low back pain, and Modic changes. 19). VESC prevalence increases with age, underlying the degenerative causative etiology.
Epub 2010 Oct 1. In most cases Physiopedia articles are a secondary source and so should not be used as references. 6. Modic Changes is a disease process, which is associated with spinal inflammations that have not been extremely effective to normal treatments.
Modic Type-2: In this type, there are additional changes in bone marrow observed with fatty replacement instead of the normal appearance of the marrow. This article does not provide medical advice. WebModic changes is a descriptive term used by radiologists in MRI evaluations. Modic 1 changes (MC1) are associated with more pain and continuing disability as compared to other types of chronic non-specific low back pain. She was relieved by the fact that surgery was not necessary but very concerned to find out that MC put her at greater risk of more significant symptoms and disability. Vertebral endplate signal changes (Modic change): a systematic literature review of prevalence and association with non-specific low back pain. Modic type II change: hyperintense on T2WI (C upper), hyperintense on T1WI (D upper) at superior endplate of L3. The message may be one of guarded optimism when it comes to addressing Kelly's main concern and it could sound somewhat like this: " While it is true that your MRI findings of inflammatory process in vertebral bodies on top and bottom of the involved inter-vertebral disc explain well a slower response to treatment, higher pain intensity and duration than you experienced in the past, it is also true that the type of profession and physical activity level were not indicted as risk factors for developing or worsening this condition. -. Kelly's main concern at the moment is that her gratifying but physically taxing profession has caused her back problems and continues to damage her spine. eCollection 2018. The Spine Journal. the lumbar spine: prevalence, risk factors, and association with disc This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Type 1 change can enhance and be painful. Albert HB, Sorensen JS, Christensen BS et-al. Modic type endplate changes represent a classification for vertebral body endplate MRI signal changes, first described in 1988 1. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. Sagittal MRI demonstrates T1 low signal and T2 high signal endplate change at L5/S1 consistent with Modic type I change. Two (1 %) patients died for other reasons. 15 Kokkonen et al 22 observed a strong positive correlation between Modic changes and disk degeneration and proposed that endplate degeneration is more likely Given the limited sample sizes in these studies and their conflicting results, no conclusions can be drawn at this time with certainty regarding the relationship between Modic changes and diskogenic LBP. Would you like email updates of new search results? Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Denmark. and transmitted securely. J Bone Joint Surg Br. BMC Med. Peterson CK, Pfirrmann CW, Hodler J. Evaluating the Impact of Modic Changes on Operative Treatment in the Cervical and Lumbar Spine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. WebType 1 changes in five of six patients converted to a type 2 pattern in 14 months to 3 years. Modic type endplate changes represent a classification for vertebral body endplate MRI signal changes, first described in 1988 1. Despite her undeniable compliance with your recommendations you were not able to document any significant changes on any of the standardized outcome measures you use with this client. blocks? Modic type 1 change is an autoimmune response that requires a proinflammatory milieu provided by the 'Modic disc'. 10 Dudli S, Liebenberg E, Magnitsky S, et al. 10). Subjects who were both smokers and overweight or obese had increased likelihood of MC in the lower spine (OR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.10-4.30). 3). MRI Findings of Disc Degeneration are More Prevalent in Adults with Low Back Pain than in Asymptomatic Controls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cao P, Chen Z, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Jiang L, Yang Y, Zhuang C, Liang Y, Zheng T, Surgical indication shouldn't be stated on the basis of the VESC findings alone, the main factor for indicating surgery depends more on other associated degenerative spinal changes Patients with MRI confirmed symptomatic lumbar disc herniations and MC report significantly lower levels of pain reduction after a lumbar nerve root block compared to patients without MC Modic type I change: hyperintense on T2WI (A), hypointense on T1WI (B) at inferior endplate of L4. From the case: Modic type I changes. Modic 1 changes (MC1) are associated with more pain and continuing disability as compared to other types of chronic non-specific low back pain. Thirty-one percent (31%) of patients who were not able to return to work had Type 1 Modic changes, whereas these patients were only 18% of the patient group at baseline. Conversely, long term antibiotic treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment if done effectively. A method for the treatment of Modic Endplate Changes Type I in the spine of a mammal as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the method comprising the step of administering a polysulfated polysaccharide or an acceptable salt thereof, to a mammal in need of such treatment. Modic 1 biopsies had evidence of highest bone turnover, possibly due to an inflammatory process; Modic 2 biopsies were consistent with a reduced bone formation/remodelling stage; Modic 3 biopsies suggested a more stable sclerotic phase, with significantly increased bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th).Th compared to Modic 1 and 2, linked to increased bone formation and reduced resorption Vertebral endplate change as a feature of intervertebral disc degeneration: a WebIn fact, type 1 changes have been shown to develop in 8% of patients following diskectomy and 40% following chemonucleolysis, which may be viewed as models of accelerated disk degeneration. The authors concluded that type 2 changes are neither as stable nor as quiescent as originally believed and that Modic types 1 and 2 are instead interchangeable and equipotent in symptom-generating capacity. 2013;22 (4): 697-707. Sagittal T2 weighted image in the MRIs of the lumbar spine were assessed for the presence of MC and other spinal phenotypes (eg, disc degeneration, disc displacement, Schmorl nodes) in all individuals. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Modic type 3 changes are hypointense on both T1WI (A) and T2WI (B). Modic Changes are also associated with inadequate healing and recurrent disc herniation. : Inhibition of IL-12 production by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The global assessment transition questionnaire measures the patients' perceptions of the overall change in their back pain since the beginning of the study on a 7-point Likert scale. In the study of Toyone et al,6 70% of patients with type 1 Modic changes but only 16% of those with type 2 changes were found to have segmental hypermobility, defined as a sagittal translation of 3 mm or more on dynamic flexion-extension films. ISSLS prize winner: vertebral endplate (Modic) change is an independent risk factor for episodes of severe and disabling low back pain. Back pain was reduced by 0.8 (95% CI: 0.0-1.6) on a 0-10 VAS scale according to the supplementary analyses. These signal intensity changes appear to reflect a spectrum of vertebral body marrow changes associated with degenerative disk disease 18) . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. WebModic type 1 change is an autoimmune response that requires a proinflammatory milieu provided by the 'Modic disc' NPCs are immunogenic but cannot trigger MC without an additional proinflammatory stimulus. Cao P, Jiang L, Zhuang C, Yang Y, Zhang Z, Chen W, Zheng T. Spine J. Only patients with B, C or D met this inclusion criterion for the current study. When refering to evidence in academic writing, you should always try to reference the primary (original) source. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. This pattern is very similar to that seen in infection and merely represents bone marrow edema. Patients suffering with Modic Type 3 disease in addition to clinical findings of type 2 also show radiological signs of end plate sclerosis and fractures of the trabecular bone. Albert and Manniche14 reported a strong association between Modic changes and LBP as 60% of patients with Modic changes but only 20% of those without such changes had LBP. Modic type I endplate change. Type 1 change can enhance and be painful. This article has not yet been cited by articles in journals that are participating in Crossref Cited-by Linking. Finally, the exact nature and pathogenetic significance of type 3 changes remains largely unknown. adjacent to end plates in degenerative lumbar disk disease. Modic type III change: hypointense on T2WI (C inferior), hypointense on T1WI (D inferior) at superior endplate of L4. According to Modic,15 the altered signal intensity detected by MR imaging is not, in and of itself, the causal pathologic process but rather a reflection of the causal process, which is some type of biomechanical stress or instability. This edema could correspond to microfractures of cancellous bone and endplate cracks accompanied by an increased vascular density along with an increase in the number of nerve endings and in the levels of proinflammatory chemical mediators, and these vascular and inflammatory changes would follow the initial mechanical phenomena. There are usually three types of Modic changes namely Type I, Type II, and Type III. Modic type I endplate change is the most controversial and important of the three types described (see Modic endplate change). WebSagittal T2 fat sat. The cause of Modic changes are debated in scientific medical research though the treatment is more or less seems to be leaning towards conservative treatment for back pain and surgery for numbness and weakness. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She was advised to continue with current treatment and report any worsening or new symptoms. studied the relationship between vitamin D and MC and surprisingly found that MC were more common in individuals with normal levels of vitamin D than in those with low levels. Trabecular bone fracture follows trabecular shortening. 5 Dudli S, Liebenberg E, Magnitsky S, et al. disease: assessment of changes in vertebral body marrow with MR imaging. doi: 10.1007/s00234-014-1372-9. Brown et al24 studied specimens of intervertebral disks, vertebral endplates, and adjacent cancellous bone they obtained during anterior diskectomy and fusion from patients with chronic LBP and DDD. SUMMARY: Two decades following their description, the significance of Modic vertebral endplate and marrow changes remains a matter of debate. Modic type 1 (MT1) vertebral endplate changes have been controversial findings since first defined in the late 1980s to describe endplate degeneration and subchondral bone marrow edema on MR imaging [1,2,3]. Modic type 2 changes are hyperintense on T1WI (A) and isointense or hyperintense on T2WI (B). Mitra et al8 found a positive trend between the evolution of type 1 Modic changes into type 2 changes and the improvement of symptoms. 2014 Then, which treatment should be recommended to painful LBP patients with MC1 at this point? Based on one of the largest MRI studies to assess lumbar MC, Mok et al. The presence of MC at the lowest two lumbar levels (L4/L5-L5/S1) were associated with age, the presence of Schmorl nodes, disc degeneration or displacement, and historical lumbar injury (p<.01). Epub 2010 Sep 20. I give my consent to Physiopedia to be in touch with me via email using the information I have provided in this form for the purpose of news, updates and marketing. Knowledge of the spectrum of degenerative processes that may occur in the intervertebral discs is required in order to identify and explain abnormal MRI appearances. 4 Shan Z, Zhang X, Li S, et al. 6. PubMed PMID: 3336678. de Roos A, Kressel H, Spritzer C, Dalinka M. MR imaging of marrow changes Much of the ensuing debate has focused on whether this was a true infection or contamination. WebType 1 changes in five of six patients converted to a type 2 pattern in 14 months to 3 years. In addition to anticipated extended duration and intensity of symptoms physiotherapists could benefit from considering a possibility that a mainstay non invasive treatment for LBP may not be more effective than activity reduction and rest. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. WebEnd plate degenerative changes in the acute phase, formally referred to as Modic type I, represent a specific cause. Type 1 changes are likely to be inflammatory in origin and seem to be strongly associated with active low back symptoms and segmental instability, thus reflecting a state of active degeneration and biomechanical instability of the lumbar spine. 4). Sagittal MRI demonstrates T1 low signal and T2 high signal endplate change at L5/S1 consistent with Modic type I change. An official website of the United States government. They concluded that type 2 changes may be less stable than previously assumed and speculated that an acute ongoing inflammatory process in some type 2 changes causes conversion of yellow to red marrow, which suggests superimposed changes such as continued or accelerated degeneration, a view shared by Modic.15 In a study of 166 nonoperated patients with sciatica undergoing repeat MR imaging at 14 months, Albert and Manniche14 found that the prevalence of Modic changes increased from 9% at baseline to 29% at follow-up, all new changes developing at the level of the previous disk herniation. mri. In Modic type 2 changes, the marrow is replaced by visceral fat. Type 2 changes in ten patients remained stable over a 2-3-year period. Physiopedia articles are best used to find the original sources of information (see the references list at the bottom of the article). Sagittal MRI demonstrates T1 low signal and T2 high signal endplate change at L5/S1 consistent with Modic type I change. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 08 Apr 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-29458, {"containerId":"expandableQuestionsContainer","displayRelatedArticles":true,"displayNextQuestion":true,"displaySkipQuestion":true,"articleId":29458,"questionManager":null,"mcqUrl":"https://radiopaedia.org/articles/modic-type-i-endplate-change/questions/2447?lang=us"}. 2018 May 15;13(5):e0197470. WebSagittal T2 fat sat. In some cases the pain may be so severe that it may interfere with the sleep of the individual to an extent that the individual may not even move in bed. The presence of MC at the lower lumbar levels were associated with historical LBP (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.05-3.54) and with severity and duration of symptoms (p<.05). A method for the treatment of Modic Endplate Changes Type I in the spine of a mammal as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the method comprising the step of administering a polysulfated polysaccharide or an acceptable salt thereof, to a mammal in need of such treatment. J Orthop Res 2016;34(8):1447-1455. No competing interests, Spine Center, Research Unit, University Research Clinic for Innovative Patient Pathways Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Denmark, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Falkevej 1-3, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark, Copyright 2023 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, Womens, childrens & adolescents health. Vertebroplasty with bioactive resorbable bone cement seems to be an effective therapeutic option for patients with low back pain resistant to conservative treatment whose origin could be recognized in Modic type I end plate degenerative changes. Full size image Interventions The subgroup of LBP clients with MC seeking physiotherapy care may more often report: Proposed risk factors for developing MC include: Prevalence of MC in clinical population was reported as 18-62%[5]. PloS one. 1987 Sep;149(3):531-4. Modic changes of vertebrae and disc were first analyzed and described by Dr. Michael Modic in 1988. Individuals with MC are expected to have low levels of vitamin D because of an increased susceptibility to inflammation and/or because microfractures occur in the vertebrae because of increased levels of parathyroid hormone Type 1 change can enhance and be painful. There is controversy regarding whether the spinal fusion will provide better and more durable outcome than discectomy The authors, however, state that further research is required. The overall prevalence of MC was 5.8% (n=141), which increased with advancing age. 6 Al-Falahi MA, Salal MH, Abdul-Wahab DM, et al. They must provide better documentation of the infection hypothesis and furthermore provide evidence for better effect of treatment by antibiotics than treatment by probiotics. 8 Ahmed-Yahia S, Decousser JW, Flouzat-Lachaniette CH, et al. Mok FP, Samartzis D, Karppinen J, Fong DY, Luk KD, Cheung KM. 6. These signal intensity changes appear to reflect a spectrum of vertebral body marrow changes associated with degenerative disk disease 18) . BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Nov 1;2013:bcr2013010912. 2014 Sep;43(9):1271-9. doi: 10.1007/s00256-014-1928-0. Intradiscal injection therapy for degenerative chronic discogenic low back pain with end plate Modic changes. Thank you for your interest in spreading the word on American Journal of Neuroradiology. Mar 21. Modic changes. Chin Med J (Engl). Highlighting this difficulty is the finding that a proportion of patients which what appears to be 'incidental' Modic type I change will go on to have proven discitis osteomyelitis by low virulence pathogens such as Staphylococcus epidermidis,Propionibacterium acnes, and diphtheroid species over protracted follow-up (4.2% over 2 year follow-up in one study 3). This hypothesis has also been supported by the demonstration of MC1 similar changes in an animal model. In a longitudinal study of 44 nonoperated patients with LBP and sciatica followed for 1272 months, Mitra et al8 found that 92% of type 1 changes either converted wholly or partially into type 2 changes (52%) or became more extensive (40%) and that only 8% of these changes remained the same. The prevalence of MC among patients with DDD of the lumbar spine varies between 19% and 59%. You had the pleasure to meet her 4 weeks ago when in addition to standard pharmacological treatment, she received referral to physiotherapy and requisition for MRI from her general practitioner. Her neurologist noted MC in both L4 and L5 vertebral bodies and briefly discussed significance of this finding with Kelly. In contrast, other MR imaging findings such as advanced disk degeneration and high-intensity zones were found to be much less specific for diskogenic LBP. ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads, Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Fayad F, Lefevre-Colau MM, Rannou F, Quintero N, Nys A, Mac Y, Poiraudeau S, Drap JL, Revel M. Relation of inflammatory modic changes to intradiscal steroid injection outcome in chronic low back pain. 2014 Oct;83(10):1786-92. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2014.06.008. Modic changes. Overall, the rate for not being able to return to work within the 1-year follow-up was 15% higher in patients with Modic changes compared with patients without Modic changes. [Correlation research on the MRI quantity of 1). 1173185. Percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: an evidence-based analysis. [10], Since 2013, long-term treatment by broad-spectrum antibiotics has been used extensively in these patients notwithstanding the well-known gastrointestinal side-effects and the risk of inducing resistant bacteria species in the general population. 2014 Mar;27(3):213-6. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 25063369. Zhang XD, Wang GZ, Zhuang RJ. with bioactive resorbable bone cement. In a study of 228 Finnish middle-aged male workers, Kuisma et al13 found that Modic changes at L5-S1, especially type 1 changes and extensive lesions, were strongly associated with pain symptoms and LBP. FOIA Neurosurg. However, the exact pathogenesis underlying these changes and their relation to segmental instability of the lumbar spine and to low back pain remain unclear. 2015;13 (1): 13. PubMed PMID: 26999322. A cross-sectional observational clinical study. WebIn fact, type 1 changes have been shown to develop in 8% of patients following diskectomy and 40% following chemonucleolysis, which may be viewed as models of accelerated disk degeneration. Modic Changes are also associated with inadequate healing and recurrent disc herniation. 2012 Dec;10(1):22.
Davies BM, Atkinson RA, Ludwinski F, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA, Gnanalingham KK. They concluded that type 1 changes correspond to the inflammatory stage of DDD and indicate an ongoing active degenerative process, whereas type 2 changes represent the fatty stage of DDD and are related to a more stable and chronic process. Hence, the best method of treating back pain symptoms from Modic changes is diligent exercise regimen to strengthen the back muscles and improve the flexibility of the back. Like endplate, the fissures and clefts may also occur within the disc, particularly in the nucleus, and nerves and blood vessels increase with the severity of disc degenerate. Jun 25. Review. Accessibility noted that MC were associated with both disc degeneration and the presence and severity of LBP. Modic 1 changes (MC1) are associated with more pain and continuing disability as compared to other types of chronic non-specific low back pain. As the communication of MRI findings may guide therapeutic decision making and surgical intervention, the terminology used by radiologists must be accurate and consistent WebModic type 1 vertebral endplate changes to traumatic injury to the vertebral endplate, local- ized action of proinflammatory mediators, and more recently low-grade bacterial infection. Efficacy of antibiotic treatment in patients with chronic low back pain and Modic changes (the AIM study): double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, multicentre trial. Few studies have examined the relationship between diet and Modic changes. WebModic changes is a descriptive term used by radiologists in MRI evaluations.
3 Albert HB, Sorensen JS, Christensen BS, et al. Modic type I endplate change is the most controversial and important of the three types described (see Modic endplate change). 2013;346 (may14 2): f3122. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 2008, 69: 119. MeSH Spine. Modic changes (MC) are bone marrow lesions seen within a vertebral body on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), suggestive of being associated with low back pain (LBP). Modic Type-3: Type 3 is extremely rare condition. WebModic type 1 vertebral endplate changes to traumatic injury to the vertebral endplate, local- ized action of proinflammatory mediators, and more recently low-grade bacterial infection. Relationship between diet and Modic types, CC Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International. 1988;166(1 Pt 1):193199. Mosekilde L.: Primary hyperparathyroidism and the skeleton. Back pain is treated with anti-inflammatory medications and rarely with opioids. In all circumstances, the results of the two relevant antibiotic studies are so different that it is not meaningful to estimate an effect of antibiotics somewhere in between. Most authors agree that, among Modic changes, type 1 changes are the ones most strongly associated with LBP.6,8,1315 In a study of 74 patients with DDD, Toyone et al6 observed that 73% of patients with type 1 changes had LBP as opposed to only 11% of those with type 2 changes. 13 Jensen OK, Andersen MH, Ostgard RD, et al. 2. WebEnd plate degenerative changes in the acute phase, formally referred to as Modic type I, represent a specific cause. 10.1007/s00586-014-3333-8. heritability study. Their results were challenged by those of Brm et al,31 who did not find any relationship between type 1 Modic changes and lumbar instability by using the same radiologic criteria.
Fig 1. Type 0 - normal disc and vertebral body appearance. Introduction: Classification of the size of a Modic change (MC) based on its depth of extension into the vertebral body height: A: Endplate only, B: > endplate to 25%, C: 25 to 50%, and D: > 50%.
She decided to access healthcare due to symptom intensity and duration exceeding those she recalls form past flare ups. mri. MRI has superior soft tissue contrast resolution when compared to other imaging modalities (eg, plain radiography, CT). [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 25340321. Antibiotic Treatment in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and Vertebral Bone Edema (Modic Type I Changes): A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial of Efficacy. Modic type 1 changes are hypointense on T1WI (A) and hyperintense on T2WI (B). (endplate) changes in the lumbar spine: bone micro-architecture and remodelling. Sagittal T2 fat sat. 2014 Jul 26. posterior lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of lumbar disc herniation At the time the article was created Frank Gaillard had no recorded disclosures. Continuing with as many of normal activities as possible is still recommended for best long term outcomes. Conversely, long term antibiotic treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment if done effectively. Accordingly, these changes appear to predict an excellent outcome following lumbar fusion. Xia W, Liu C, Duan S, Xu S, Wang K, Zhu Z, Liu H. The influence of spinal-pelvic parameters on the prevalence of endplate Modic changes in degenerative thoracolumbar/lumbar kyphosis patients. Modic Changes are also associated with inadequate healing and recurrent disc herniation. Pars Defect: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Exercise, Diagnosis, Prevention, Dietary Dos and Donts for Migraine Sufferers, Shirshasana (Headstand) Versus Inversion Therapy Using Inversion Table, Understanding Joint Pain and Tips to Get Relief Using Home Remedies, Erectile Dysfunction: Does Opioid Cause ED, Libido: Opioid Induced Female Sexual Dysfunction. They concluded that the persistence of type 1 Modic changes after fusion suggests pseudarthrosis. Type I - presence of bone marrow edema within vertebral body and hyper-vascularization. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. PubMed PMID: 25037930. Spine J 2010;10(8):659-675. [1, 2] Since the famous publication on Modic changes (MC) in 2013 [3] apparently showing a dramatic effect of 100 days treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics in MC1 patients, there has Eur Spine J 2019;28(11):2478-2486. The resected intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue displayed moderate to severe degeneration, but there is no correlation between MR and histological grades using a qualitative classification system. Modic changes can only be diagnosed on MRI scans. For believers the answer is more difficult. Modic et al.