Relationship between modic changes and facet joint degeneration in the cervical spine

Novel Risk Factors for Cervical Facet Joint Degeneration in the Subaxial Cervical Spine: Correlation with Cervical Sagittal Alignment and Bone Mineral Density

OBJECTIVE

The impact of cervical sagittal alignment on cervical facet joint degeneration (CFD) and the risk factors for CFD in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) were investigated in the current study.

METHODS

A total of 250 surgical patients with DCM were recruited. The clinical data and radiographical characteristics, including CFD, cervical sagittal balance parameters, Hounsfield unit (HU) values, disc degeneration (DD), and modic change, were collected. The detailed correlation between these characteristics and CFD was analyzed. Characteristics, including CFD, were compared among the various cervical alignment types and different CFD groups. Finally, the risk factors for CFD were revealed via logistic regression.

RESULTS

CFD was prevalent in DCM patients. Age, cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), range of motion, T1 slope, thoracic inlet angle, DD, HU value, and modic change correlated with CFD segmentally and globally (P < 0.05). The lordosis and sigmoid types had a significantly higher CFD prevalence (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the average CFD threshold for the severe CFD group was 1.625 (area under the curve, 0.958). Additionally, 167 patients with average CFD <1.625 and 83 patients with CFD of ≥1.625 were classified into the mild CFD group and severe CFD group, respectively. Finally, multivariate analysis was performed, and age, cSVA, HU value, modic change, and DD were determined to be independent risk factors for CFD.

CONCLUSIONS

The load distribution tends to shift to a more shear-like pattern in the sigmoid and kyphosis types and in those with a higher cSVA, thereby promoting CFD. Aging, cervical malalignment, low bone mineral density, DD, and modic change were revealed to result in high risks of CFD.

Endplate and Facet Joint Changes in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

BACKGROUND

Modic changes (MC) of the vertebral endplates and facet joint degeneration are common causes of neck pain. No previous study has shown the prevalence of and relationship between MC and facet joint changes in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The objective of this article was to study the endplate and facet joint changes in CSM.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine in 103 patients with CSM was retrospectively evaluated. The scans were evaluated by 2 raters, who classified spinal segments according to the Modic classification and the degree of facet degeneration.

RESULTS

In patients <50 years old, there were no MC in 61.5%. In patients with MC, Modic type II at C4-C5 was observed most frequently. MC were found in 71.4% of patients ≥50 years old. In patients with MC, Modic type II at C3-C4 was observed most frequently. Degenerative changes of the facet joints were found frequently in both patients <50 years old (77.5%) and patients ≥50 years (90.2%), and grade I degeneration was observed most frequently in both groups. There was a significant correlation between MC and facet joint changes.

CONCLUSIONS

MC in the cervical spine are common magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with CSM ≥50 years old. Degenerative facet joint changes are found in the majority of patients with CSM regardless of age. We found a significant correlation between MC and facet joint changes at the same level, indicating that both imaging findings are involved in a common pathophysiological pathway.

Does vertebral body tethering cause disc and facet joint degeneration? A preliminary MRI study with minimum two years follow-up

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Vertebral body tethering (VBT), a flexible compression-based growth modulation technique, was claimed to prevent disc degeneration due to its less rigid nature compared to other growth-friendly techniques. Yet, the consequences of VBT surgery on discs and facet joints have not been precisely acknowledged.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the intermediate and adjacent levels at least 2 years after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Prospectively-followed consecutive patient cohort PATIENT SAMPLE: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who underwent thoracoscopic VBT between 2014 and 2017 were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Degeneration of the intervertebral discs using the Pfirrmann classification; Degeneration of facet joints using a scale of 0 to 3.

METHODS

Demographic, perioperative, clinical, radiographic data were collected. Skeletal maturity and height gain were assessed in every follow-up. Overcorrection, tether breakage, mechanical and pulmonary complications as well as readmission and reoperations were recorded. MRIs taken before surgery and at a minimum of 2 years follow-up were evaluated for degeneration at the intermediate and adjacent segment intervertebral discs and facet joints by a blinded senior radiologist and compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients with a mean of 38.6±10.6 months (24-62) of follow-up were included. The mean age at surgery was 12.2 (10-14), and the median Sanders stage was 3 (1-7). A mean of 7.7±1.1 (6-11) levels were tethered. The mean preoperative main thoracic curve magnitude of 46°±7.7° was corrected to 23.3°±5.9° postoperatively, which was subsequently modulated to 12° ±11.5° during the follow-up. At the time of the MRI (mean 29±9.5 (24-62) months), the median Sanders stages was 7 (5-8). A total of 217 levels of discs and bilateral facet joints were evaluated in the preoperative and follow-up MRI images. Analyses of disc and facet scores revealed no significant differences between patients. Deterioration of previously degenerated discs was noted in one patient (from grade 2 to 3), while previously healthy lower adjacent facet joints were degenerated (grade 2) in another patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Intermediate discs and facet joints were preserved after growth modulation with VBT surgery at a mean of 29 months of follow-up. Studies in larger cohorts with longer follow-up are warranted to have more in-depth analyses of the effects of relative stabilization and altered biomechanical loads.

Relationship Between Degeneration or Sagittal Balance With Modic Changes in the Cervical Spine

Objective: This study evaluates the relationship between degenerative and Modic changes (MCs) in the cervical spine and compares the results with the cervical sagittal balance parameters.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 275 patients with neck pain who applied to our outpatient clinic and underwent cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cervical anteroposterior (AP)/lateral (Lat) X-ray radiography between January 2016 and January 2018. The clinics, demographic information, and radiological findings of the patients were examined. Modic changes, disc degeneration, and facet degeneration (FD) were examined by cervical MRI, and T1 slope and Cobb angle were measured by cervical AP/Lat X-ray radiography. These results were compared to evaluate their relations with each other.

Results: No relationship between the presence or absence of degenerative changes (Modic changes, facet degeneration, and disc degeneration) and sagittal balance parameters (T1 slope and Cobb angle) was found. However, when each cervical segment was examined separately, facet degeneration at the C4-C5 level and Modic changes at the C3-C4, C4-C5, and C6-C7 levels were statistically significant with the Cobb angles, and the Modic changes at the C3-C4 level and disc degeneration at the C2-C3 level were found to be significant with T1 slope values.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that MCs increased with decreased cervical curvature, increasing disc and facet degeneration, although the causal mechanisms are not clear.

Influence of Modic Changes on Cage Subsidence and Intervertebral Fusion after Single-Level Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion

OBJECTIVES

This retrospective study aimed to determine the impact of Modic changes (MCs) on cage subsidence (CS) and intervertebral fusion after anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).

METHODS

This study enrolled 61 patients with MCs who underwent single-level ACCF between January 2010 and December 2015 at our institution. The control group included 63 age-matched patients without MCs treated during the same period. The results from clinical and radiological assessments were reviewed, and radiographic CS was defined by an intervertebral height at the final follow-up that was less than the postoperative intervertebral height.

RESULTS

No significant differences in gender, age, operative time, blood loss, or follow-up results were observed between the MCs and control groups. Significantly more patients experienced CS in the MCs group than in the control group (41.0% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.003). The frequencies of CS among patients with type I MCs (40.0%, 8/20) and type II MCs (41.5%, 17/41) were significantly higher than that in the control group (15.9%, 10/63; p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in clinical assessment scores after surgery and at final follow-up compared with preoperative values (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In summary, all 61 patients with MCs who underwent ACCF achieved good fusion results. MCs in the surgical segment had no significant effect on intervertebral fusion, but both type 1 and type 2 MCs may increase the risk of CS.

Relationship Between Endplate Defects, Modic Change, Facet Joint Degeneration, and Disc Degeneration of Cervical Spine

Objective

The “disc degeneration precedes facet joint osteoarthritis” hypothesis and multidimensional analysis were actively discussed in lumbar spine. However, in cervical spine degeneration, the multifactorial analyzes of disc degeneration (DD), Modic changes (Mcs), facet degeneration, and endplate degeneration (ED) is still limited. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to analyze the prevalence and interrelationship of cervical DD parameters.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 62 patients aged between 60 and 70 years. The disc height, segmental angle, ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), ED, facet joint degeneration (FD), uncovertebral joint degeneration (UD), DD, spinal stenosis (SS), Mc, and cord signal change (CS) were evaluated using a previously well-known grading system.

Results

The prevalence of cervical degenerative parameters were DD (grade 1, 1.2%; grade 2, 13.3%; grade 3, 54.8%; grade 4, 19.0%; grade 5, 11.7%), OPLL (26.2%), SS (grade 0, 7.7%; grade 1, 42.3%; grade 2, 26.2%; grade 3, 23.8%), UD (39.1%), ED (normal, 69.0%; focal defect, 9.7%; corner defect, 11.7%; erosion, 6.9%; sclerosis, 2.8%), and FD (normal, 48.8%; narrowing, 27.0%; hypertrophied, 24.2%). The interrelationship of degenerative parameters showed close relation between UD, SS, DD, OPLL, Mc. ED, and CS has partial relation with degenerative finding. FD only has relation with UD, and Mc.

Conclusion

Our results may indicate that FD is a degeneration that occurs independently, rather than as a result of other degenerative factors.

Analysis of Correlation Between Age and Cervical Facet Joint Degeneration and Modic Changes in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Background

Because facet joints move with the disc, changes in vertebral bodies occur simultaneously with progression of degeneration of cervical facet joints. This study investigated age-related differences in cervical facet joint abnormalities and multi-dimensional characteristics of MCs in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Material/Methods

Forty-five patients underwent both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) of the cervical spine. Axial and sagittal parameter changes from C3 to C7, including facet orientation (FO) and facet tropism (FT), and Modic changes (MCs), were evaluated and documented preoperatively, and we also measured the heights and diameters of MCs and performed correlation analysis and established linear regression models.

Results

The axial facet orientation increased slightly from C3 66.5 (11.4) to C7 89.9 (19). The sagittal facet orientation and facet tropism increased between C3–C4 and C6–C7, but it decreased between C4 to C6. The MCs volume decreased from C3 to C4 and increased from C4 to C7. There was a gradual decrease of FO and FT from C3 to C5 and a gradual increase of these 2 angles from C5 to C7 in all age groups. The lowest values of FO and FT were detected at C5, while the highest values of FO and FT were detected at C7.

Conclusions

Age was negatively correlated with the axial, sagittal, and coronal cervical facet orientation, especially at C4/5 level. The FT with respect to the axial and sagittal plane from C5 to C6 increased with age.

Facet Joints of the Spine: Structure–Function Relationships, Problems and Treatments, and the Potential for Regeneration

The zygapophysial joint, a diarthrodial joint commonly referred to as the facet joint, plays a pivotal role in back pain, a condition that has been a leading cause of global disability since 1990. Along with the intervertebral disc, the facet joint supports spinal motion and aids in spinal stability. Highly susceptible to early development of osteoarthritis, the facet is responsible for a significant amount of pain in the low-back, mid-back, and neck regions. Current noninvasive treatments cannot offer long-term pain relief, while invasive treatments can relieve pain but fail to preserve joint functionality. This review presents an overview of the facet in terms of its anatomy, functional properties, problems, and current management strategies. Furthermore, this review introduces the potential for regeneration of the facet and particular engineering strategies that could be employed as a long-term treatment.

Asymmetrical degenerative marrow (Modic) changes in cervical spine: prevalence, correlative factors, and surgical outcomes

Background

The current study aimed to discuss the prevalence and surgical outcomes of the asymmetrical Modic changes and identify its correlative factors by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Methods

Two hundred seventy-eight patients with single-level Modic changes and nerve compression symptoms were reviewed retrospectively from January 2008 to January 2015. 1.5-T MRI was performed to determine the Modic changes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the correlative factors of asymmetrical Modic changes. Surgeries were performed according to the surgical indications. The outcomes were recorded by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, and recovery rate.

Results

Asymmetrical Modic changes were observed in 76 patients (27.34%) with 4 type 1, 69 type 2, and 3 type 3. C5/6 was the most frequently affected segment with 39 patients showing signal changes on MRI. Statistically significant difference was showed in conservative rehabilitation rate between two groups (p = 0.043). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified disc herniation and neurological symptoms as correlative factors of asymmetrical Modic changes, and the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were 2.079 (1.348–3.208) and 0.231 (0.143–0.373) respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in JOA scores and NDI scores between the two kinds of Modic changes.

Conclusions

C5/6 was the most commonly affected level by Modic changes. Disc herniation and nerve root compression symptom were more closely correlated with asymmetrical Modic changes than conventional Modic changes. Asymmetrical Modic changes indicated poor result in conservative treatment; however, the final operation rate was similar between the two kinds of Modic changes. The outcomes of surgical treatment were satisfactory both in patients with asymmetrical Modic changes and conventional Modic changes.

Prevalence of and risk factors for Modic change in patients with symptomatic cervical spondylosis: an observational study

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cervical Modic change (MC) in patients with cervical spondylosis and to develop a better understanding of the possible risk factors for the prevalence of MC.

Methods

Between January 2014 and April 2017, patients with cervical spondylosis were included in our study. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the presence of MC. The MC was classified into three types according to the Modic classification. Potential risk factors were collected from demographic data, lifestyle variables, laboratory tests, and radiographic images. Both univariate and multivariate analysis were used to detect factors associated with MC. We further compared several variables related to fat metabolism between patients with Type 1 and Type 2 MC.

Results

The prevalence of MC in patients with cervical spondylosis was 9.24%. The MC was most frequent at C5–6, followed by C6–7, C4–5, and C3–4. The proportion of Type 1 MC in patients with neck pain was significantly higher than that in patients without neck pain (46.2% vs 13.6%, P=0.027). However, none of the variables associated with fat metabolism showed a significant difference between Type 1 and Type 2 MC. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age ≥55 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–2.98) and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.62–3.59) were two significant independent factors that are associated with cervical MC in patients with cervical spondylosis (P<0.05).

Conclusion

It appears that advanced age and high BMI were two factors that may be responsible for cervical MC. Type 1 MC is associated with the prevalence of neck pain. However, we cannot confirm that Type 2 MC is correlated with fat metabolism.

Changes in cervical motion after cervical spinal motion preservation surgery

BACKGROUND

For patients with single-level cervical radiculopathy, various types of motion preservation surgeries, such as total disc replacement (TDR), posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) and posterior percutaneous endoscopic foraminotomy and discectomy (PECF), are available. In addition to motion preservation, the quality of motion is an important issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of these surgeries on cervical motion by comparing the instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR) among PECF, TDR and PCF at the index and superior/inferior adjacent segments.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent index surgery at C5-6 for cervical single-level foraminal disc herniation or foraminal stenosis. Patients with minimal degeneration at the index and other cervical spinal levels and flexion/extension cervical lateral radiographs both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively were included (PECF, 11 patients; TDR, 11 patients; PCF, 12 patients). The IARs were calculated at the index segment and segments above and below the index segment from the flexion and extension cervical lateral radiographs, which were obtained preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. A standardized cervical normogram was referenced to qualify shifts in the IAR.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, neck pain was significantly decreased, with no difference among the surgical methods. The IARs were not significantly changed after the PECF. Although significant inferior shift occurred at C6-7 after TDR (p = 0.02), the shift occurred within the normal range in the cervical normogram. However, significant inferior shifts in the IARs occurred after PCF at C5-6 (p = 0.02) and C6-7 (p = 0.02), and the IARs moved out of the normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

The IARs were significantly changed after PCF at either the index segment or the adjacent segment below. The shifts in IAR at the index and adjacent segments were not significant after PECF and TDR. The sample size was too small to allow definitive conclusions, but the present study showed that PECF may be another alternative to motion preservation surgeries.

Comparison of facet joint degeneration in firefighters and hospital office workers

Background

There are few published studies on the relationship between occupational lumbar load and facet joint degeneration (FJD). This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the effect of physical lumbar load on FJD by comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of firefighters (FFs) and hospital office workers (HOWs).

Methods

We randomly sampled 341 male FFs and 80 male HOWs by age stratification. A questionnaire and clinical examination, including MRI of the lumbar spine (T12-S1), were conducted. FJD was diagnosed and graded by using the classification of Pathria et al., and reclassified into two groups as follows: no FJD (grade 0) and FJD (grades 1, 2, and 3). The prevalence of FJD was analyzed according to occupational group.

Results

The prevalence of FJD ranged from 31% (L1–L2) to 75% (L4–L5) in the FFs, and from 18% (L1–L2) to 69% (L4–L5) in the HOWs. After adjustment for age, body mass index, and frequency of physical exercise, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) for FJD in the FFs were significantly higher than those in the HOWs at all lumbar spinal levels, except for L3–L4 (L1–L2: OR, 2.644; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.317–5.310; L2–L3: OR, 2.285; 95% CI, 1.304–4.006; L4–L5: OR, 1.918; 95% CI, 1.037–3.544; L5–S1: OR, 1.811; 95% CI, 1.031–3.181).

Conclusion

This study shows that FFs exhibit a greater likelihood of having FJD than HOWs after controlling for other risk factors of FJD. This suggests that the physical occupational demands of FFs affect their risk of developing FJD.

Do Modic changes affect cervical sagittal alignment and motion in symptomatic patients?

PURPOSE

The cervical segmental instability often occurs simultaneously with Modic changes (MCs). However, it is unknown whether there is a relation between the two diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MCs and cervical segmental instability, cervical curvature and range of motion (ROM) in the cervical spine.

METHODS

A total of 464 patients with neck pain or cervical neurologic symptoms who underwent imaging examination were analyzed retrospectively. Based on MRI imaging cervical MCs were diagnosed, and patients were divided into with or without MCs groups. The cervical curvature and range of motion were measured. We compared the incidence of cervical instability, cervical curvature and ROM between the two group patients and their relationships with MCs were studied. Logistic regression was used to study the risk factors associated with MCs.

RESULTS

MCs were observed in 94 of 464 patients and 122 of total 2320 cervical segments and were most frequent at C5-6 segment. The incidence of the cervical instability was significantly higher in patients with MCs than those without MCs at cervical level C3-7. In addition, cervical curvature and ROM in patients with MCs were less than those without MCs. Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of cervical spine instability, less cervical curvature and ROM were risk factors for MCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MCs were prone to have cervical instability at the same cervical level and may have a higher possibility of less cervical curvature and ROM.

Relationship between facet tropism and facet joint degeneration in the sub-axial cervical spine

Background

Facet tropism is the angular asymmetry between the left and right facet joint orientation. Although debatable, facet tropism was suggested to be associated with disc degeneration, facet degeneration and degenerative spondylolisthesis in the lumbar spine. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between facet tropism and facet degeneration in the sub-axial cervical spine.

Methods

A total of 200 patients with cervical spondylosis were retrospectively analyzed. Facet degeneration was categorized into 4 grade: grade I, normal; grade II, degenerative changes including joint space narrowing, cyst formation, small osteophytes (<3 mm) without joint hypertrophy; grade III, joint hypertrophy secondary to large osteophytes (>3 mm) without fusion of the joint; grade IV, bony fusion of the facet joints. Facet orientations and facet tropisms with respect to the transverse, sagittal and coronal plane were calculated from the reconstructed cervical spine, which was based on the axial CT scan images. The paired facet joints were then categorized into three types: symmetric, moderated tropism and severe tropism. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between any demographic and anatomical factor and facet degeneration.

Results

The mean age of enrolled patients was 46.23 years old (ranging from 30 to 64 years old). There were 114 males and 86 females. The degrees of facet degeneration varied according to cervical levels and ages. Degenerated facet joints were most common at C2-C3 level and more common in patients above 50 years old. The facet orientations were also different from level to level. By univariate analysis, genders, ages, cervical levels, facet orientations and facet tropisms were all significantly different between the normal facets and degenerated facets. However, results from multivariate logistic regression suggested only age and facet tropism with respect to the sagittal plane were related to facet degeneration.

Conclusion

Facet degeneration were more common at C2-C3 level. Older age and facet tropism with respect to the sagittal plane were associated with the facet degeneration.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1448-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.